Hanukkah commemorates the reconquest of the temple in Jerusalem by a small Jewish family, the Chashmonaim, and their followers, who defeated the very strong Greek oppressor.
The rekindling of the menorah's flames was done with pure olive oil from a small vessel found in the Temple.
Such a small quantity of oil burned for 8 days, until olives were pressed and a new pure oil could be produced.
The Shoftim of the Jewish people designated these eight days as a period of joy and praise and commanded that lights be lit in Jewish homes on each of these nights forever.
