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Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Thousands of years ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. Many refused to obey; one who refused was Judah Maccabee. Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the temple was rededicated. The Maccabees wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days. Jewish people celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication." Chanukah party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a Chanukah Party Theme. Party decorations using like glow jewelry, stickers. Chanukah loot bags tucked into baskets or a Chanukah pinatas can be a centerpiece and double as party prizes. Party favors like jewelry, glow whistles, hats, masks, party-poppers and boas will add the special touches to a Chanukah Party Theme.
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