Festival of Lights

HANUKKAH Festival of Lights/ Feast of Dedication, As a kid, Hanukkah was the Jewish replacement for Christmas, But even better! We celebrated for eight nights, Which meant eight presents! It was the festival of lights We ate latkes or potato pancakes, We Played with spinning tops called driedels Sang the driedel song Opened one present each night Filled up ona chocolate money called Gelt Got all the adults to sing along In our beautiful nine branched candelabra Called a hanukiah or menorah One Hanukkah candle was lit each night An extra candle, called the shamash, or the "attendant" Was used to light the others candles Oh what a memorable sight! Antiochus IV Epiphanes, invaded Judea Came upon the Jews with a great army, took their City by force soldiers plundered without mercy, slaying a multitude of Jews Antiochus spoiled the Temple, stopping the ritual daily sacrifice Judaism was outlawed, circumcision was banned, an alter to Zeus was erected and pigs were sacrificed in the temple, the people lost their right to choose. Antiochus's actions provoked a large-scale revolt Maccabees fought a guerilla war, and won the battle The Seleucid monarchy was crushed The temple was purified and rededicated Undefiled pure olive oil was required to light the temple menorah Only enough oil for one night, yet the oil burned for eight, the people were hushed Hanukkah, a celebration of struggle and liberation Whether or not the miracle occurred Is secondary to our continual struggle to survive We place the menorah with candles burning In a window, to show the world We’re here, we’re free, and we are still alive!