Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated around the world with the lighting of the menorah and the sharing of gifts. The story of Hanukkah is a remarkable story of religious freedom and Jewish survival.
How Did Hanukkah Begin?
In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by King Antiochus IV. Antiochus was determined to force his subjects to worship pagan gods instead of the God of Israel. He defiled the Temple in Jerusalem, and prohibited Jews from performing religious rituals and studying the Torah. In response, the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish freedom fighters, formed an army and began a revolt against the mighty Greek tyrant.
The Victory of the Maccabees
Despite immense odds, the Maccabees managed to win a decisive victory and reclaim the Temple in Jerusalem. When they entered the Temple, they found only a single flask of oil that had not been defiled. Miraculously, when the Maccabees lit the oil, it lasted eight days – enough time for the production of new oil for the Temple Menorah lamps. To commemorate this miracle, the Jews established an annual eight-day holiday, Hanukkah.
Celebrating Hanukkah
To this day, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah. A central part of the celebration is the game of dreidel, in which players use specially marked top to spin and win prizes. Jews also share gifts of chocolate coins, called gelt, to remember the miracle of the oil. Through this joyous holiday, Jews around the world continue to honor the miracle of Hanukkah and the struggle for religious freedom.
Hanukkah is an important reminder of the courage and commitment of the Maccabees and the importance of standing up for what is right. By celebrating the miracles of Hanukkah and sharing its lessons, we can continue to inspire each generation to keep the light of freedom burning brightly.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.