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The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jews were victorious, against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation.

But a second miracle is more commonly known: A story in the Talmud (500 years later) tells of a legendary miracle. After the war, When the Jews returned to rededicate the Ancient Temple, they found that there was only enough oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for 1 day. It would take 8 days to make more of this special oil. So the lit the lamp, and it miraculously burned for 8 days, giving them plenty of time to make more oil to keep the lamp burning.

This second miracle is very popular with children. It is understood as a legend only, and appears to be the early Rabbis' attempt to add a spiritual level to the holiday.

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Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts for eight days. It begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and typically falls in late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah to celebrate the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the rededicated Temple.


What does the menorah symbolize?

The menorah is a religious symbol in Judaism. The original 7-branch menorah was placed in the Temple and its flames burned at night (Leviticus ch.24). In modern synagogues, a single flame (usually electric) represents this ancient mitzvah. It symbolizes G-d's eternal presence among the people. Other information: The Hanukkah-menorah (also called a Hanukkiyah) is an eight-branched candle holder used on the 8 days of Hanukkah. Eight of the flames symbolize the eight days of the miracle, while a ninth candle is next to them and is used to light the others.


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