Many who celebrate Hanukkah are curious as to why this religious holiday lasts for 9 days rather than just the initial 8 days it is presented to us. The answer lies in examining the origin of the holiday and the surrounding events that reinforced the 8 day timeline.
The celebration of Hanukkah has been observed for more than 2,000 years, and the timing is directly linked to the Maccabean revolt of 167–160 BCE. According to Jewish tradition, the miracle of Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, a nine-candle candelabrum. The lighting of the menorah is said to have occurred for 8 days because the Maccabees found enough sanctified oil in the Temple of Jerusalem to only light the menorah for that period of time.
Table of Contents
The Rededication of the Second Temple
When the Maccabees eventually drove the Syrian-Greeks out of Jerusalem, they began the rededication of the Second Temple. The original plan was to observe the 8-day rededication of the Temple. However, something happened that added an additional day.
The Extra Day of Hanukkah
A bottle of unsuitable, undefiled oil was found during the rededication of the Temple. Rather than discard it, the High Priest believed it should be used to light the Menorah. As such, an additional day was added to the rededication of the Temple; allowing the unexampled oil to be used.
Biblical Basis for the 9th Day
The additional day also contains a biblical basis within the Jewish law. Known as ‘Sh’moneh Esrei’, it is the 18 blessings recited during the morning service of prayer. Located in Deuteronomy 16:3, it suggests that joyful festivals should take place for a ‘complete’ 8 day period. To adhere to this tradition, the extra day of Hanukkah was added.
Conclusion
The 8th day of Hanukkah was initially observed to celebrate the rededication of the Temple. The blessing found in Deuteronomy 16:3 was factored in to result in a 9-day celebration. This annually observed holiday has since commemorated the miracle of the oil found in the Temple with the lighting of the Menorah.
In celebrating Hanukkah, one’s intention should be to go beyond the material aspects and attain a spiritual level. The candles of the menorah serve as a reminder of the power of holiness and faith, and still continues to light the way for those who choose to partake in the tradition of the 9-day festival.
Related Products:
- Why Is Hanukkah 8 Days?
- Why Is Hanukkah 8 Days Long?
- Why Is Hanukkah Celebrated For 8 Days?
- Why Is Hanukkah On Different Days Every Year?
- Why Is Hanukkah Celebration Eight Days Long??
- Why Is Hanukkah Celebrated On Different Days?
- Why Is Hanukkah Different Days Each Year?
- Why Is There 8 Days Of Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah Why 8 Days?
- Why Does Hanukkah Last 8 Days?
- Why Does Hanukkah Begin On Different Days Each Year?
- Why 8 Days Of Hanukkah?
- Why Do We Celebrate Hanukkah For 8 Days?
- Why Are There 8 Days Of Hanukkah?
- What Many Days Is Hanukkah Celebrated For?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.