Well since everyone is very excited about Christmas, I thought to try filling people in about the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.
Chanukah, is the Festival of Lights!!
Chanukah is a 8 day holiday which begins on the 25th day of the month of Kisslev (sp?). It marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Macabees, against greek persecution & religious oppression.
In addition to being victorious in war, another miracle occurred: When the Macabees came to rededicate the temple, they found only one flask of oil with which to light the Menorah. This small flask lasted for 8 days. In order to comemorate this miracle, we light a Menorah for the 8 days of Chanukah.
This year (2004-2005) Chanukah begins on Dec 8th, and ends on Dec 15th, 2004. On the evening before each one of the days, the coresponding number of Chanukah candles are lit.
Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians (not syrian hamsters) and the rededication of the Jerusalem temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication"
I hope that you all enjoyed my thread.
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