Happy Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is an eight day holiday which commemorates "miracle of the container of oil" at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, during the Maccabean Revolt [Second century, BCE].

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There was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. The miracle is the oil burned for eight, which was the number of days it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

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If you are wondering why there are nine candles represented on the menorah, the ninth serves as a reminder to adhere to the prohibition [Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a], against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than the celebration of the holiday. The light emanating from the eight candles should not to be used to read by, or as the primary source of household light. So the ninth candle, or light [servant or guard], is made available if extra illumination is required. It is also used to light the eight.

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The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within," but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. This is why the oil lamps or candelabrum are set in prominent windows. Hence, the Festival of Lights.

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Blessings, and a Happy Miracle to All