Israel Compared to the Olive
Jewish Law specifies that the oil used for the Chanukah lights should be olive oil.
The Midrash [Shmos 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.
The Midrash [Shmos 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.
An Insight
Question: Why don’t we make a Shehechiyanu (the blessing recited over a new object or opportunity) every night of Chanukah--if every night was a new miracle?
Answer: The Sefer Mateh Moshe writes that the miracle occurred with the same oil that we made the Shehechiyanu on the first night--it was just that the miracle kept on recurring!
Answer: The Sefer Mateh Moshe writes that the miracle occurred with the same oil that we made the Shehechiyanu on the first night--it was just that the miracle kept on recurring!