Menorah Lighting: Day One

This is a special holiday gift to all my Jewish brothers and sisters.  Each day of Hanukkah I will be posting a movie made using my original artwork to show the lighting of the menorah.  Hannukah is the Festival of Lights.  The menorah is set near a window or a door so that all those who pass by on the outside, as well as those who live on the inside, can see it's lights and reflect on God's faithfulness and provision.

Hanukkah celebrates events that took place in Judea, which is now Israel, over 2,300 years ago.  Judea had a Syrian king named Antiochus who ordered the Jewish people to reject their faith and customs in order to worship Greek gods.  Judah Maccabee and his brothers formed an army in opposition to this, and after three years if fighting they were successful in driving out the Syrians from Judea and reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem.  After cleaning the Greeks symbols and statues out of the Temple, they wanted to light the Eternal Light, which is present in every Jewish house of worship.  Only a tiny jug of oil was found, with only enough oil for one day.  The lamp was filled and lit and then a miracle occurred for it was able to stay lit, not for one day, but for eight days.

On the first night, the following blessings are  recited...

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,

Who sanctified us by His commandments,

and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanakkah.

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,

Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,

Who has kept us alive,

and has preserved us,

and enabled us to reach this time.