Description
Shalom Peace Message:
- Unto you peace.
- You will be a blessing.
- Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah touched with wonder and filled with love.
History:
In the second century, the Syrian-Greek army ransacked the Jewish Temple, leaving it in shambles. When the Jews were able to cleanse and re-dedicate the holy facility, they found only enough sacramental oil to re-light the menorah for one day. Although the Jews knew the menorah was supposed to burn all day, every day, and that it would take eight days until a new supply of oil could be made and brought to the Temple, they re-lit the menorah anyway. They were rewarded with a miracle: The small jar of oil burned for eight days. To publicize this miracle, Jews light a menorah every night for eight days.
The appropriate response to “shalom” is aleikhem shalom (“unto you peace”). This form of greeting is traditional among Jews throughout the world. It occurs six times in the Jerusalem Talmud. The greeting is more common amongst Ashkenazi Jews.
See also: Gold Hanukkah Menorah.
