As the sun sets across land and sea, around the world tonight, candles are lit to mark the beginning of eight days of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is Hebrew for "dedication", and the Jewish festival of light, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.
In 168 BC, the new king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes ordered all Jews to convert to worshipping Greek gods, or die. His army marched into Jerusalem, and massacred thousands. The temple became an altar to the Greek god, Zeus, and pigs were slaughtered within its walls.
Jews turned to guerrilla warfare, to retake the desecrated temple. When it came time to rededicate the temple, they only had enough oil to burn for a day. It is called a miracle, that the oil burned for eight days, giving them time to get another supply of oil. Hanukkah. Dedication. The burning of candles for eight days. The festival of light.
In 168 BC, the new king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes ordered all Jews to convert to worshipping Greek gods, or die. His army marched into Jerusalem, and massacred thousands. The temple became an altar to the Greek god, Zeus, and pigs were slaughtered within its walls.
Jews turned to guerrilla warfare, to retake the desecrated temple. When it came time to rededicate the temple, they only had enough oil to burn for a day. It is called a miracle, that the oil burned for eight days, giving them time to get another supply of oil. Hanukkah. Dedication. The burning of candles for eight days. The festival of light.
In warmer climates, white and blue flowers are often found in Jewish homes at Hanukkah. The floral arrangements may include tall stems of bright white lilies and blue delphiniums, or an arrangement of white freesia with blue iris. Summer's delphiniums and Spring irises are not readily available in Toronto at this time of year. White lilies and white orchids, which are grown in greenhouses, are more easily found!
"They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat!" Food is a big part of Hanukkah, and foods fried in oil (are you picking up on the theme here?) are festive delicacies. Potato latkes are found on most family tables - crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. What everyone looks forward to, are the sweet jellied donuts! Delicious enough to have converted Zeus!
Happy Hanukkah!
Photographs Copyright of: Ruth Adams, Widow's Endorphins Photographic Images Incorporated.
(That's my handpainted living room floor!)
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