ISRAEL COMPARED WITH THE OLIVE

Jewish law specifies that the oil used for the Chanukah light should be ollve oll.

The Midrash [Sh'mos Rabbah 36:1] mentions that Israel may be compared with the olive. All liquids intermingle with one another, while oil does not, but keeps separate. When Jews perform G-d's will, they too, stand separate from every group. Kindling the Menorah with olive oil commemorates the separateness that has kept Israel immortal.

(Bnai Yisas'char quoted in Chanukah: Its History, Observance and Significance. Mesorah Publications. Brooklyn, New York)

TOP