Starting at sunset tonight (Saturday), Jews around the world will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah – “the festival of lights” – commemorates the Maccabees successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to the Talmud, written about 600 years after the events described in the books of Maccabees, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day’s lighting.
I wish all those celebrating Hanukkah a happy and joyous holiday.
Tombs of the Maccabees, Modi’in, Israel