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flames lit for more than a day, but the closest appropriately holy oil was eight days away (or the time it would take to make consecrated oil). Miraculously, the one day's worth of oil lasted eight days, until new oil could be brought (or consecrated). In the U.S. the holiday has grown to resemble the secular aspects of Christmas, in a sense competing culturally for the parties, gift giving, and festivities of the Christian population. I have heard that in Israel, Hanukkah has grown in significance in a rather different wayas the story of a small band of outnumbered righteous Jews who stood against a strong enemy and survived. For me, it has become a time to gather with friends and family to celebrate a Jewish holiday. The lighting of the Hanukiah reminds me that light emerges from darkness, whether the darkness of apparent defeat, of overwhelming odds, or of the winter solstice. As someone who struggles with depression, this message has important personal significance. Lighting the Shamesh of Torah in order to in turn light the Hannukiah of Nevi'im, Kethuvim, Talmud, Gemara, Midrashim, Shabatot, Sederrim, and The Zohar brings light even into the darkest corners of this world. In the tree of the Hanukiot we might recognize the Tree of Life.

Learn more about this author, Michael Deqel.
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