I just wanted to wish those celebrating Chanukah, a joyful holiday. I thought I would share the history of the holiday as many people don’t know all the details.

I have been making potato latkes for days now, about 150 total ! Potato latkes are made as a treat for this holiday as you cook them in oil, the oil representing the significance of Chanukah.  

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.

11 Thoughts to “Happy Chanukah at sundown tonight!”

  1. Moon-howler

    Elena, thank you so much for sharing. I knew the story was about oil and 8 days but I didn’t know the middle part. Have a wonderful holiday. Are you having a houseful of company? Who is going to eat all those latkes?

  2. Chris

    Elena,
    Happy Chanukah!!

    Thanks for sharing the history of the holiday with us all.

  3. Censored bybvbl

    Happy Chanukah!

  4. Lucky Duck

    Have a very Happy, peaceful Chanukah.

  5. Elena

    M-H,
    I visit both Eli and Rachael’s school, do a presentation on Chanukah at each school, so I bring potato latkes for all the kids and teaches, plus some for us and my hubby’s family!

    Thank you all for your Chanukah wishes!

  6. Moon-howler

    Elena, that is very neat! And latkes are very good.

  7. DiversityGal

    Happy Chanukah! Mmmm…latkes. Chutzpah has good ones…but I digress:)

  8. Marie

    I knew the history of Chanukah and am so glad you shared it with others. It is wonderful that you go to Rachael and Eli’s school to share Chanukah with the students. There is so much emphasis put on Christmas that often Chanukah is overlooked. My husband have Jewish friends with whom we celebrate Chanuakah and eat great potato latkes. It is a wonderful celebration. They celebrate Christmas with us.

    Happy Chanukah!

  9. Red Dawn

    Happy Chanukah 🙂

  10. NotGregLetiecq

    I didn’t know the history. Thanks for taking the time to share. Happy Chanukah.

  11. GainesvilleResident

    For some semi-related humor – a very funny Israeli commercial for HDTV at:

    http://www.jewishjournal.com/video/article/israeli_tv_commercial_for_hdtv_20080602/

    Enjoy – and Happy Chanukah to all…

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