Suburban Square's Festival of Lights

About 100 adults and children gathered on Tuesday evening for the lighting of the Menorah in Suburban Square marking the first night of Hanukkah. After the lighting ceremony, conducted by Rabbi Michael Lichtman of the Chabad of the Main Line, there was a celebration with music, decorations, crafts, free food and giveaways.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the best-known Jewish holidays not because of  its religious significance but because of its proximity to Christmas. The holiday celebrates the re-dedication of the Jewish Temple after the Jews successfully overthrew the Greeks, who had ruled the land for more than 100 years.

The pure oil needed to burn a lamp all through the night in the Temple was scarce—with only enough to burn for a day. It would take eight days to prepare more oil.

Miraculously, as legend has it, the one day's worth of oil burned for eight, enough time to make a new supply.  

The ceremonial lighting of the Menorah at Hanukkah commemorates one day's oil serving for eight days. The traditional Menorah has one candle in the center and eight other adjacent candles. Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit by the one original candle.

On the last night of Hanukkah all nine candles burn together.