Hundreds of people gathered in the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday evening to participate in a special menorah lighting ceremony and for the Hanukkah holiday, organized by the Temple Institute and the United Temple Movement The menorah, made of wood covered in gold and standing at about four feet tall, has seven branches, modeled after the
Menorah that stood in the two Jewish Temples as well as the Tabernacle. The oil used to light the menorah was prepared one month ago in the manner specified by the Torah, with special care used to maintain its ritual purity. The menorah was whisked away to be lit several more times in sites that were as close to the Temple Mount as Jews are permitted to go, rekindling the light the Maccabees first lit 2,000 years ago after their victory over the Greek army. READ MORE
