Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers has issued a statement for Chanukah (also spelt Hannukah) which starts this evening
“Happy Chanukah and Chag Sameach to all my constituents who this evening start the eight day celebration of this festival.
Chanukah is traditionally a time of joy and family get-togethers for the Jewish community. I appreciate that the events unfolding in Israel will cast a shadow over this year’s Chanukah events, particularly for those who lost loved ones on 7th October, or whose relatives are still held by Hamas. My thoughts lie particularly with those hostages. I very much hope they will be released soon to return to their families.
Chanukah is always an important date in the Jewish calendar. It marks the events that took place in the second century BC when Antiochus IV, ruler of the Greek-Syrian Seleucid empire which controlled the area now covered by the modern state of Israel, attempted to outlaw the Jewish religion.
Jewish leader, Mattathias, and his five sons led a revolt against Antiochus. When Mattathias died, his son Judah took over. Known the history as Judah the Hammer, or Judah Maccabee, he drove the Seleucids out of Jerusalem and called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar and light its gold candelabrum.
Judah Maccabee and others who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights.
To this day, Jewish families and shuls will light a nine branched candelabrum or ‘Chanukiah’ to symbolise the eight days of the festival, plus an additional shamash or ‘helper’ candle which is used to light the other eight. As the IDF continues its military action, it is also timely to remember Judah Maccabee and his followers who were determined to defend their land and protect the Jewish people from oppression.”
The photo was taken at a Downing Street Chanukah reception in 2018. Theresa has a number of Chanukah-related events scheduled for the next few days.
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers MP of 163 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5SU
