Hanukkah is an important part of the Jewish faith, as it commemorates a miracle that happened over two thousand years ago. Ever since then, it has been celebrated for eight days each year, though many don’t know why it lasts this long. Read on to find out why there are eight days of Hanukkah.
The History Of Hanukkah
In ancient times, the Jewish people were oppressed by the Seleucid Empire, a Hellenistic kingdom. A challenge to the Empire’s rule came in the form of a rebellion led by Mattathias and his five sons, the Maccabees. After a three-year war, the Maccabees defeated the Seleucid Empire and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
what ran out. To light the revived holy candelabrum, they used a small flask of pure olive oil that was found in the temple. This oil, which normally should have given out after only one day, instead lasted for eight days, thereby allowing them to find more oil and create a miracle. To commemorate this, the Jewish people celebrate eight days of Hanukkah – one for each of the days the oil lasted.
The Meaning Behind The 8 Days Of Hanukkah
For many people, the eight days of Hanukkah are about faith and celebrating the victory of good over evil, as well as the continuing miracle of life. Others interpret the eight days of Hanukkah as being each day devoted to an expression of appreciation for the virtues that enabled the Jewish people to withstand the tyranny of the Seleucid Empire. These virtues include bravery, loyalty, gratitude, trust, creativity, hope, determination, and love.
All in all, the eight days of Hanukkah remind us of the Jewish people’s struggle for freedom as well as of the courage and perseverance necessary to achieve it. This festival is an opportunity to take a moment to remember our history and look forward to what the future may bring. Hanukkah will continue to be a reminder that even when hope seems lost, a miracle is never out of reach.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.