Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by the Jewish people and is one of the most beloved festivities of the year. This important holiday is celebrated all around the world and its traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. At its core, Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the light, but there are actually two miracles celebrated during this holiday: the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil.
The Rededication of the Temple
The rededication of the Temple is a miracle that is commemorated on Hanukkah. It all began when the Second Temple in Jerusalem was taken over by the Syrian-Greeks in 167 BCE. These leaders declared that only their gods would be worshipped and they desecrated the Temple. The Maccabees fought for their freedom and won. After reclaiming the Temple, it was time to clean and restart all the activities that the Jews had devoted to the place, such as celebrating the festivals. However, the only source of oil they found was enough for just one day and it seemed impossible that they could rekindle the menorah that was re-consecrated in the Temple. Nevertheless, a miracle happened and the day that followed after the small flask of oil lit up for eight days until they managed to properly obtain the oil they needed to re-consecrate the Temple and continue to follow its religious practices.
Miracle of the Oil
The miracle of the oil is strongly linked to the festival of Hanukkah. The Maccabees as detailed above found just a day’s worth of oil when they won back the temple and rededicated it. That small flask of oil managed to remain lit for all of the 8 days that it took to find more oil and re-consecrate the Temple. This miracle of staying lit for days after it was expected to last has been celebrated ever since. The festival of Hanukkah recognizes this miracle by lighting 8 candles and letting them burn for all the eight days.
These two miracles of the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil, have been commemorated during the eight days of Hanukkah by lighting the Temple menorah, exchanging gifts, and singing traditional songs. Every year many Jewish people gather to celebrate this important holiday in honor of these two miracles that have made Hanukkah such a beloved festival.
Related Products:
- What Are The Candles That Are Lit During Hanukkah Called?
- What Are The Symbols That Are Similar For Kwanzaa And Hanukkah?
- Sufganiyot And Latkes Are Enjoyed During Hanukkah. What Are These?
- What Dates Are Hanukkah This Year?
- What Are 3 Interesting Facts About Hanukkah?
- Why Are There 8 Candles For Hanukkah?
- What Are The Dates Of Hanukkah This Year?
- How Many Days Are There In Hanukkah?
- Why Are There 8 Days Of Hanukkah?
- What Are The Symbols Of Hanukkah?
- What Are The Origins Of Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles Are On The Hanukkah Menorah?
- What Are The Eight Days Of Hanukkah?
- How Many Nights Are There Of Hanukkah?
- What Are The Hanukkah Dates?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.