Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has issued the following Chanukah message for her constituents.
“I would like to wish Chanukah Sameach everyone celebrating Chanukah. I hope you all have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends over this period of celebration. I wish you well as you light the candles in your Chanukiah over the forthcoming days.
Observed over eight nights, the Chanukah festival of lights commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the revolt of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire in the Holy Land. To recall the bravery of the Maccabees, and the miracle of a small jar of oil keeping a lamp alight for eight days, the Jewish community traditionally light candles in a nine branched candelarbrum (or Chanukiah) during each evening of the festival.
It was an honour for me to be present at the Cockfosters and New Southgate Synagogue when they lit candles to mark the first night of Chanukah on yesterday. I also enjoyed the festivities at the Downing Street Chanukah party this evening. Happy Chanukah!"
