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01.12.01, 21:16
The Story of Chanukah
Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people
around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.
Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting
date on the western calender varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates
the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is
now Israel
Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away
WHOOPS! Wrong story! :-)
Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king
ordered the Jewish people to reject their G-d, their religion, their customs
and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as
they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee
Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the
word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the
Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and
reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building
and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month
of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated
When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to
light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every
Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished
Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil
lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil
stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days
Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the
rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah,
lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah
means "rededication"
In America, families celebrate Chanukah at home. They give and receive gifts,
decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light
the holiday menorah
www.holidays.net/chanukah/story.html
