Recently re-elected Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has issued the following Chanukah message to her constituents.
“I would like to wish Chanukah Sameach to all those who are celebrating Chanukah this year.
I send you my warmest wishes as you light the candles in your Chanukiah over the eight nights of this very special festival. I hope that everyone who is celebrating Chanukah has the opportunity to spend time with family and friends over this festive period for the Jewish community”.
Observed over eight nights, the Chanukah festival of lights commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the revolt of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire in the Holy Land. To recall the brave story of the Maccabees, and the miracle of a small jar of oil keeping a lamp alight for eight days, those celebrating the festival by traditionally light candles in a nine branched Chanukiah during each evening of the festival.
