Hanukkah: A Celebration of God’s Grace

This year, beginning on December 17, Jews around the world observe Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The holiday commemorates two miracles associated with a battle between the Jews and Syrians in 165 B.C. The Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, were greatly outnumbered, but like David fighting Goliath, their faith in God enabled them to do the seemingly impossible—defeat the Syrians and take back Jerusalem. Just after their victory, the Jews wanted to rededicate the temple, which had been desecrated by the Syrians. But they needed oil for eight days and found they had only enough to last one day. Again, acting on faith, they used the oil to light the eight-branched temple candelabrum, called a menorah, and incredibly the oil burned for the required time.

Today during the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews place candles, not oil, in the menorah, to remember both miracles and the rededication of the temple they made possible. Each night during the holiday, prayers are said as the shamas, or central candle representing the temple caretaker, is lit and is used to light the branch candles, one the first evening, two the second, and so on. Celebrants also sing songs in praise of the Lord, who saves and protects His people when they are in trouble. “Rock of ages, let our song praise Thy saving power. Furious, they assailed us, but Thine arm availed us. And Thy might broke their sword when our own strength failed us.”