Miracle of Lights

photo taken on a "movie set" of the doors leading to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in October 2011

Above is a photo taken of a reconstructed "Jerusalem" movie set. It is being used to create short videos depicting areas of the Temple and other sacred locations at the time of Christ.

I posted this photo because today is important day for over 13 million people in the world or roughly 0.2% of the total world population. The Jews.   I find it interesting that it is about the same number of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

Today is Hanukkah. or also known as "Miracle of Lights" or "Festival Of Lights" (It actually began last night at sundown when the first candle of the memorah is lit._  

Many do not know what Hanukkah is.. including me. So I did a little research.

The word "Hanukkah," which means dedication, refers to the rededication of the Holy Temple, (the same temple that existed at the time of Christ)  at which time the menorah was lit. According to the ancient story, when the Jews re-dedicated the Holy Temple, there was very little oil remaining to light the Temple menorah (or candelabra) -- as the bulk of the lamp oil had been polluted. But the oil that was only enough for one day, miraculously lasted eight days. This is considered to be the origin of the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah.

It is somewhat ironic that Hanukah is the most widely known Jewish holiday, despite the fact that it is a minor holiday. Hanukkah is not described in scripture, and it does not have the religious significance of Passover, Sukkot, Shavuot, Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur. Still, the celebration of Hanukkah, the history behind its traditions, and the symbolism of the miracle of the oil lasting seven days longer.. a miracle.