After defeating the Syrians, the Hebrews restored their temple and removed all of the Greek idols that had been placed there. When it was time to return the eternal light in the temple, there was only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. But the Jewish people lit the lamp, and by a great miracle, it continued to glow for eight nights!
The Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukiyah, has nine candles. They are placed in the Menorah from right to left. The highest candle is used to light the other eight, which represent the eight nights the lamp in the temple miraculously burned. The first candle (starting from the left) is lighted on the first night of Hanukkah, the second is lighted on the second night, and so on, until all the candles are lit. Each time, special prayers and blessings are given.
This is why Hanukkah is called "The Festival of Lights." |
