The Bet Yosef's Conundrum on The Miracle of Chanukkah -
Why Is the Holiday 8 Days? What Was The Miracle of Hanukah on Day 1? Why Is Chanukkah 8 Days instead of 7 Days?
9 Answers:
1. The oil was divided into 1/8 of the glass of the Menorah,
But it still lit all night into the morning
2. The Menorah was filled full the first night,
But in the morning the Menorah was still FULL to the top with oil.
3. The Menorah was filled full the first night,
But the oil jug stayed full and never depleted even as it was poured from it. (Like Sidna Baba Sali's Arak Mahya).
4. Only 1/8 of oil was poured into the Menorah,
But the Menorah filled itself to the top using just 1/8 oil by itself. Each night 1/8 of the oil jug was used.
But the Menorah filled itself to the top using just 1/8 oil by itself. Each night 1/8 of the oil jug was used.
5. Only 1/8 of oil was poured into the Menorah & thin wicks were used so the oil would last all night,
Flame lit bright and full as if filled with full oil and thick (standard) wicks.
Flame lit bright and full as if filled with full oil and thick (standard) wicks.
6. The original jug of oil wasn't even enough for one night,
Miraculously it lit all 8 night brightly. The main primary Menorah was only lit in the Kodesh section which is enclosed from wind, rain and the elements, due the the damage and impurity and defiling by the Greeks the Menorah was lit outside the Kodesh section in the courtyard, this is why we say in the Al Hanisim "VeHidliku Nerot BeHasRot Kodshekha" (They lit the candles in the outer courtyard of your Holy place).
7. The first nights candle lighting was for commemorating winning the battle,
The remaining 7 nights was for the miracle of finding the sealed pure oil jug that was not defiled.
8. The first night is lit to commemorate the Hashmonaim's reinaugration of the Mizbeach and Bet Hamikdash after the Greeks defiled it and were ruling over the daily activities of the Kohanim.
9. The holiday is celebrated for 8 nights to commemorate Brit Mila which takes place on the 8th day and the Greeks were adamant to uproot this Mitzva. Jews were willing to give up their life for Brit Mila.
