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Dear All
Hello
At sunset this evening, the Jewish Festival of Lights or Hanukkah/Chanukah began.
This festival dates back over 200 years before the beginning of Christianity.
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The word Hanukkah means rededication and celebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history.
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The festival reminds Jews of a time over 2500 years ago when Antiochus, a Syrian king, tried to make the Jewish people worship Greek gods.
A statue of Antiochus was erected in the Jewish temple and the Jews
were ordered to bow down before him.
The Ten Commandments forbid Jews to worship statues or idols but they refused.
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A small group of Jews called Maccabees rebelled, and after a three year war they recaptured Jerusalem from the Syrians. The temple was almost destroyed.
The Jews had to clean and repair the Temple, and when they were finished they rededicated it to God. They did this by lighting the Menorah, a lamp,
which was a symbol of God's presence.
Only one small jar of oil was found, enough for one day, but miraculously the lamp stayed alight for eight days.
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Nowadays, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting one candle on the Hanukkah,
which is an eight-stemmed candelabrum each day.
This symbolises how God looked after the Jewish people at this difficult time.
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In the last few days, there has been so much suffering and violence in parts of the world.
So this is said to you all, may peace be with you, in your families,
in your home and in your heart.
Shalom.
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Take gentle care
Sincere wishes
Elizabeth,
xx
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