Hanukkah is one of the most well-known holidays in the Jewish calendar. It is a celebration of the Maccabean revolt in the 2nd century BC, and of the subsequent re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Every year, Jews around the world celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with devotion, joy and enthusiasm.
What is the Story of Hanukkah?
The Hanukkah story can be found in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which describe the struggles of the Jews against Syrian-Greek oppressors. During this time, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the ruling ruler of Syria, tried to prohibit the practice of the Jewish religion and force the Jews to adopt Hellenistic practices. This oppression was bitterly resisted by a small but determined group, the Maccabees, also known as the Hasmoneans led by Mattathias and his five sons.
The Maccabees fought a long and difficult fight, eventually managing to reclaim the Temple for the Jews and restore their religious practice. When they returned to the Temple, the Maccabees found that there was very little oil left for the sacred menorah (candelabra). There was only enough oil to last for one day, but somehow, miraculously, it lasted for eight days and nights. To honor this miracle, a special eight-day holiday was instituted, known as the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah).
To celebrate the holiday, Jews kindle special Hanukkah candles each night, exchanging gifts and feasting. The most famous ritual is the spinning of the dreidel, a four-sided top made of clay or wood. The dreidel has the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, hey and shin inscribed on it, an acronym for the phrase, “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” (“A great miracle happened here”). To this day, Hanukkah remains one of the most beloved festivals in Jewish tradition.
Hanukkah is a time for reflecting on the power of faith and tradition, and for celebrating the strength and courage of the Maccabees who fought to defend religious freedom. It is a holiday of freedom, joy and devotion, to be celebrated and remembered till this day.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.