Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. During the holiday, Jews light a nine-branched Menorah, or candelabrum, and eat special foods such as latkes and sufganiyot. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, a small group of Jews who overthrew the tyrannical king of Syria and rededicated the temple.
Hanukkah is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, but why? Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple by the Maccabees after their victorious battle against the anti-Semitic Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The story of Hanukkah begins with Antiochus’ attempt to stamp out Judaism, starting with a desecration of the Holy Temple that allowed him to declare his own deity to be worshipped there. In response, a small group of Jews called the Maccabees bravely revolted and rededicated the Temple.What Does Hanukkah Celebrate Simple?
Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees’ bravery and their victory over a larger and more powerful enemy. It celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple, the faith of the Maccabees in God, and the protection of the Jewish faith against injustice.
The Miracle of Hanukkah
The story doesn’t end there. After reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees wanted to rededicate it by lighting a special seven-branched Menorah. The problem was that they only had enough oil to keep the Menorah burning for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight nights, giving them enough time to gather more oil and keep the Menorah lit.
Promises Kept
Throughout Jewish history, the holiday has been viewed as a testament to the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Bible. Depending on your point of view, it’s a celebration of faith, justice, and the protection of the Jewish people against oppression.
Today, we celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a nine-branched Menorah, singing songs, eating traditional foods, and playing games. It’s a fun-filled family holiday, and a reminder of the promises God made to the Maccabees, which remain alive to this day.
Hanukkah is an important holiday that celebrates the heroism, faith, and justice of the Maccabees. With its symbolic message of protection against tyranny, Hanukkah stands as a universal and timeless symbol of hope.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.