Chanukah at sundown
23.02.12
CHESTER - "On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight . . . these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving." -Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Chanukah - which begins at sunset - commemorates the miracle of oil in the temple menorah after the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel army, defeated the Phillistines and took back the temple.
Alvin Fineman of Chester, explained Chanukah - the Jewish Festival of Lights -on Monday, and how the traditions have evolved over the years. Fineman said in each Jewish temple or synagogue for thousands of years there has been a menorah with six candles, which is used throughout the year. In each menorah there is an eternal light, one candle flame, or light, which is lit constantly.
The menorah of Chanukah has one candle for the eternal light, and eight additional ones, one for each day of the eight-day celebration.
Fineman said when the Jews began to rebuild the temple after the Maccabees defeated the Phillistines, they reset the menorah and found there was only enough oil for it to burn for one day. Miraculously, the menorah burned for eight days on a one-day supply of oil.
Source: The Review
