The Talmud explains that after the Syrian-Greeks defiled the Temple, only one small undefiled jug of oil for the Menorah still bearing the seal of the High Priest cauld be found. The cruse only contained enough oil to burn for one day. To commemorate the event, it was decided that henceforth, the holiday would be observed annually by kindling one new light each day for eight days. Thus Chanuka became known as the Feast of Lights. The Chanuka Menorah has nine branches, eight to commemorate this eight day feast.
Oil is symbolic of healing.
When the Good Samaritan helped the man who had been mugged by robbers of the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, he poured oil and wine on his wounds. Oil is therefore associated with God's gift and God s outpouring of the Spirit. A blessing was recited whenever the wine was taken. At home, Jewish families recite the Kiddush before the Sabbath and holiday meals. The children of Israel were commanded to set aside, from the bread they had baked, a small portion of dough for the sustenance of the priest.