Tonight marks the first night of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. The origin of Chanukah traces back to the Maccabean Revolt, in the second century before the common era, a time of Greek and Syrian oppression toward the Jews.
According to the Talmud, very little oil was left in the Jewish Temple for rededication. Oil was needed for the menorah, a candelabrum, and there was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet amazingly, the oil burned for eight days. This was the miracle of Chanukah and the reason the holiday is celebrated for eight days.
Along with lighting candles in the menorah each night, eating food cooked in oil is meant to commemorate the oil-burning miracle in the Temple.
In this feature, the sacred holiday of Chanukah is explained, with host Lois Rietzes speaking with both Sephardic Jews, who are of Spanish and Middle Eastern descent, and Ashkenazi Jews, who are of Central or Eastern European descent.
For those celebrating Chanukkah, we say Chag Sameach — may you be filled with unexpected blessings.
