The Hanukkah celebration, lasting eight days, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 160 BCE. After the Maccabean Revolt, when the Jewish people reclaimed the Temple and relit its menorah, the menorah stayed lit for eight days even though there was only enough oil to last one night. The dreidel game is played during Hanukkah to remember the suppression of Jewish practices in Judea before the uprising. It also celebrates the Hanukkah miracle – the Hebrew letters marked on the dreidel are an acronym for “a great miracle happened there.” This collection of Hanukkah menorahs (hanukkiahs) and dreidels was donated by long-time MVHS Board Member and supporter Marilyn Oyer. Marilyn was an active member of Youngstown’s Congregation Rodef Sholom until her passing in 2018.
Gift of Marilyn Oyer, 2009.83
by Mahoning Valley Historical Society | Dec 15, 2020