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Exeter Synagogue More about Chanukah The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. | | | FACTS | | The first Jew known to have settled in Exeter in modern times was Jacob Monis, a native of Padova in Italy, who advertised his services in 1724 as a teacher of Hebrew, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. The Menorah was a central feature of the Temple, and its lights served as a source of light from evening till morning The Menorah is described in detail in the Bible (Exodus 25:31-37) and was considered by some as the physical representation of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden | | | PRINT THIS PAGE | | | View print friendly version of this page.. | |  |
| | My full name is Jane Silver-Corine and I'm a member of Exeter Synagogue.
I've been going around some schools in Somerset and Devon and teaching the children about Judaism, using song, dance and storytelling. Chanukah is a festival of light and it celebrates the fact that the Jewish People defeated this Syrian man - called Antiochus and his army.
This guy called Maccabee, one of five sons, led a small army against the Syrians, and reclaimed the holy temple.
 | | Jane with her two boys - Toby and Jonah |
And they lit the Menorah, which is the candlestick holder in the temple.
They only had a tiny bit of oil left, but still, the oil managed to keep the candle alight for 8 days.
That is the legend behind the story, and why people light candles every night for eight days and eat oily food to celebrate this marvellous festival. I don't like the fighting side of it, but that's what it's all about.
 | | Lighting the menorah during Chanukah |
We follow the lunar calendar, so the festival is always in late November or December - it's slightly different each year.
There's lots of present giving - my kids get one present, but if you're very fortunate then you get a present every night.
We light the candles and sing songs every night. We eat doughnuts and potato pancakes, and basically have lots of fun for eight days.
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