Softly Flickering Flames 1

Tonight Jewish people around the world lit (or will light, depending on where they live) the last Chanukah flames. Chanukah celebrates the miracle of 1 small flask of pure olive oil, found in the defiled and then cleaned Holy Temple in Jerusalem, enough to burn for one day, but instead lasted the entire eight days, till new pure oil could be obtained. It celebrates the miraculous victory of a small, weak army over the mightiest warriors of the time. It celebrates the first war for freedom to practice one's religion. Thus, the menorah, the special candelabra used on Chanukah, is a symbol of religious freedom. There are places for 8 candles or oil flames, as well as one candle which is at a different level, the shamash, or helper candle. The first night one flame is lit, the second night two, then three, and on till the eighth night when the entire menorah is lit.

My husband lights this menorah. It was my father's, and his father's.

A guest lit this menorah

This is my menorah. Cheaper, but it has the deepest oil wells, and burns the longest. Generally, women do not light menorahs, unless they are single or single moms, neither of which I am.... it's a long story....

Looking down at a flame. It took another night till I had the brains to take out my macro lens...

Dying flame

Lighting the menorah on the 5th evening of Chanukah.

Placing the shamash in its special holder.

My husband teasing me -- the camera's macro lens was dangerously close to the flames!