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Try to imagine a family of eight trying to light eight Chanukah menorahs near the front door, in a joint courtyard shared by several families.
On second thought, don't try to imagine it. Come to Jerusalem; you won't be disappointed.
With menorahs nearly at full strength, this weekend will be a prime time to explore the alleyways of Jerusalem and enjoy the lights over the weekend
Chanukah is a bit of an exception in the Jewish calendar. It is the only holiday that does not appear anywhere in the bible, and it is the longest of all Jewish holidays – eight full days.
There is certainly no shortage of things to enjoy about Chanukah, and a menorah tour in Jerusalem is different than similar tours anywhere else, due to the special nature of the city's menorahs.
Aquarium menorah
Yes, it's true. Just like there is unique Jerusalem grill, the capital also has its own unique style of menorah: because the Jerusalem winter does not often allow for placing the menorah outside for passers-by to see, Jerusalemites have devised a creative solution – a menorah box to protect the candles from the elements.
Of course, there are several explanations of the origins of the Jerusalem menorah, but the most often heard is that the custom originated with 19th century Christian pilgrims. The pilgrims would march in processional to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to light candles from the holy fire burning in the church. Russian pilgrims created a candle in an "aquarium" with a handle to carry the fire back to their communities.
The box, a sort of aquarium, most covered in copper with glass windows in front and back. Inside, there are eight glasses, similar to small coffee cups, with oil and wicks and a chimney for air.
One of the most amazing courtyards in all of Jerusalem is the "Hush" (courtyard in Arabic) in the Jewish Quarter of the old city. Just try to count the number of menorahs in the tiny courtyard, but don't forget that people live here.
In the other courtyards leading off of Chabad Street, Prophet Street and other Jewish Quarter streets, one will find menorahs in the wall facing the street. At the end of Shoni Halachot Street is a fantastic view of the Western Wall.
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered licensed tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this "calling" in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, "glide" over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water, and "see" the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many-faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be implanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.
