Hanukkah

The Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah begins today at sundown. In general, Hanukkah, sometimes spelled Chanukah, has a twofold meaning for Jewish people like myself...

First, it honors the seven days of creation, as represented by the less common seven-branched candlestick (or candle holder) that is used, and where each candle is lit separately. The number seven is very important in Biblical numerology. But the far more common item is the nine-branched candle-stick, called the "Menorah."

The nine-branched Menorah is a device which holds up to nine candles, with the ninth one used to light the other eight candles. These candles each represent the number of days that the sacred candle that was in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was to represent the eternal presence of God’s Spirit, and His presence among his people. The Temple’s priests were to keep the Eternal Flame burning, always. The flame was to never be extinguished.

But when Jerusalem was under attack by the Romans in 70 A.D., and the Temple was cut off from supplies, the Eternal Flame had only one day’s supply of oil left. But by a miracle of God, the Flame remained lit for eight days before the Temple was finally ransacked and destroyed. Hence the holiday called Hanukkah. It is a time for remembrance, reflection, thanksgiving, in the form of generosity and of giving gifts to others, and of praise.

D.B.