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The Jewish celebration known as The Festival of Lights, or more commonly-Hanukkah, is rooted in history and traditions which predate the birth of Christ. Perhaps the most recognized and celebrated Hanukkah tradition is the lighting, or kindling, of the Hanukkah menorah.

The Festival of Lights is a holiday to commemorate the Jewish victory over the Syrian army and thereby the reclaiming of the beloved Temple in Jerusalem. The victory of the Maccabbees, an army of Jewish dissidents, over the mighty Syrian Empire is in itself a miracle to be told. There is however, another miracle- the miracle of the oil, for which the kindling of the Hanukkah menorah pays homage.

Upon their victory over the Syrians, the Jewish people reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple had been defiled with the worship of foreign gods and so it needed to be ritually cleansed prior to the recommencement of Jewish worship. A new altar was built, new holy vessels were crafted and the ceremonial Temple menorah was lit. A problem arose, however. According to sacred ordinance, the menorah was to burn throughout the night. Upon reclaiming the Temple the Jews were only able to find a single vat of consecrated olive oil- enough to light the menorah for one day. Rather than accepting this new defeat, they lit the menorah anyway in the faith that God would provide for them. The menorah, with one day's oil, continued to burn for eight days. This was exactly the amount of time required to prepare and consecrate more oil.

The miracle of the oil, and God's faithfulness to His people is commemorated each Hanukkah with the ceremonial lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. The Hanukkah menorah, also known as a Chanukiah, differs from the seven-branched Temple menorah in that it has nine branches. The ninth branch, known as the shamash or service candle, is set apart from the other eight branches, typically in an elevated position. This is in ordinance with the decree that the Chanukiah candles are to be used strictly in observation of the eight days of the miracle of the oil.

Each evening of Hanukkah one of the lights of the Chanukiah is lit to commemorate one day of the miracle of oil. Along with the lighting of the menorah, blessings are said in remembrance of God's faithfulness. On the first night of Hanukkah the following blessing is recited "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time."

The lighting of the Chanukiah is a tradition of remembrance for the Jewish people. Young and old alike light the Chanukiah and recite the special blessings as a symbol of remembrance. It is a tradition, and a story, to be shared. According to ritual ordinance, the Chanukiah is to be placed in a window or near a door so that all who pass by can witness its lights and reflect on the miracle of God's provision.

Learn more about this author, Laura Beth Caldwell.
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