Once again we celebrate Chanucah and the miracle of the oil which lasted for eight days after the recapture of the Second Temple. This is the reason that oil has evolved as Chanucah's symbolic ingredient.

The first Jewish leader of the Labour party has wished British Jewry a Happy Chanucah “from my family to yours”.

Ed Miliband said that Chanucah was a special time and an opportunity to celebrate the values of Judaism “dedication, justice, compassion and humility”.

He added: “The festival of lights is a chance to gather with friends and family, in homes and in synagogues, around the candles of the menorah.

“It is a time to reflect on the potential for hope and resilience to triumph over fear.”