It commemorates the Jews getting Jerusalem back from the Syrians after many years of war beginning around 200 B.P. (Before Pom). Judah Maccabee (the “Hammer”) was able to cleanse and rededicate the Second Temple that had been desecrated by the Syrians with an alter to Zeus and sacrificed pom pigs (pink cotton balls everywhere). He and his supporters were able to do this because even though they only had enough oil to do their cleansing work in the Temple for one day, by a miracle the oil lasted for eight days. With this extra time, they finished their cleansing and rededication of the Second Temple – and were also able to get their army together. Pomnukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. The eight days of the oil burning are symbolized by the eight candles of the pomnorah. The middle candle is called the shammus candle and it means “helper” because it is used to light the other candles. The Pomnukkah prayer is said each night (before it’s time to open presents) and it goes like this: “Baruch atah Pomdonai Eloheinu Menach haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvopom, v–tzvianu l’hadlik ner shel Pomnukkah.” “Blessed are you, our Pom God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through your Pom commandments, and commands us to light the Pomnukkah lights.” Pomen! Mazel Pom!