The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:28 PM

Tuesday Kicked Off First Night Of Hanukkah Across East Tennessee

Tuesday kicked off eight nights of celebration for those in the Jewish community in East Tennessee.

Hanukkah is a reminder of the Jewish people who were able to take back their religious freedom from the Greeks.

At one point, the Jewish were left with only enough oil to burn a light for one day. But that supply lasted them eight, signified by the menorah and the 8-day celebration.

Rabbis said it not only represents the miracle of that day, but also unity.

Rabbi Yossi Wilhelm said, "A candle loses nothing when it loses its flame and here it is giving and it doesn't effect them and as a matter of fact, the more candles, the brighter."

Rabbi Wilhelm added that the holiday isn't just for the Jewish community, it's a message that relates to anyone.