Would whiskey burn for eight nights?

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By The Jewish Star Staff

Issue of December 18, 2009/ 1 Tevet 5770
The Maccabees may have only had one night's worth of oil, but the Chabad of Buckhurst Hill in England has enough whiskey in their menorah to last for eight months.

Rabbi Odom Brandman, director of the Chabad of Buckhurst, together with his community, built a seven-foot-high menorah made of clear piping. In a twist on the old story, they filled it with sixty-five liters of single malt whiskey, generously donated by the Tullibardine Distillery of the Scottish Highlands.

"The Whisky itself is really nice; it's smooth, mellow and has a slightly fruity flavor. I have been on a tour of the distillery and the management there have been so helpful, accommodating and as excited as us about making this menorah really special," explained Rabbi Brandman.

The whiskey was later auctioned off to raise money for the Chabad. The first bottle was sold for 275 pounds.

This isn't the first novelty menorah created by the Chabad of Buckhurst Hill. Last year, they built a six-foot tall menorah out of chocolate.