Happy Hanukkah!

Today marks the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, from the Hebrew word for "dedication" or "consecration", marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of Antiochus IV and commemorates the "miracle of the container of oil". According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

In modern times Hanukkah, especially in the USA, has also become a kind of Jewish version of Christmas with gifts being given, particularly to children. As such it has become part of the political correct "Happy Holidays" season, that encompasses Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.