Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, has been celebrated for thousands of years. But when did this glorious holiday begin? In this article we will explore the origins of Hanukkah, and answer the question: What year did Hanukkah begin?
Table of Contents
The Origin of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greeks in 165 BCE. According to Jewish tradition, the Maccabees were a small group of Jews who rose up against the Greek-Syrian Empire in order to protect their freedom to practice Judaism. During the battles of the revolt, the Maccabees reclaimed the temple of Jerusalem from the Greeks.
The climax of Hanukkah comes when the Maccabees found a single, small jar of oil that had been blessed and consecrated for use in the temple. Miraculously, this small jar of oil was enough to light the menorah, a sacred candelabrum in the temple, for eight nights. Thus, the miracle of Hanukkah is celebrated with the kindling of eight candles, one for each night of Hanukkah.
What Year Did Hanukkah Begin?
Generally speaking, the year of Hanukkah can be traced back to the Maccabean Revolt in 165 BCE. As the revolt was conquered and the temple was retaken, the miracle of the oil is said to have begun. But, in reality, the modern feast of Hanukkah did not begin until much later.
The first recorded celebration of Hanukkah as a festival appears in the Babylonian Talmud written around 400 CE. Around this time, the yearly celebration of Hanukkah was established and the lighting of the menorah was codified.
The Lighting of the Hanukkiah
These days, many Jewish homes celebrate Hanukkah with a special menorah called a Hanukkiah. According to traditional Jewish law, the Hanukkiah contains nine branches, including a Shamash, which is a special candle used to light the other candles. This special Hanukkiah allows each night of Hanukkah to be celebrated with an additional night of celebration.
Modern Day Celebrations
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated all around the world with different individuals and families celebrating in their own unique ways. Some may choose to light a Hanukkiah, build a Latke tower, or spin a dreidel in celebration of the eight-day festival. Regardless of their customs, the miracle of Hanukkah continues to provide joy and hope to all who celebrate the festival.
To conclude, Hanukkah is an important holiday in the Jewish faith. It celebrates the miracle of the Maccabean Revolt and the lighting of the menorah for eight nights. It is said to have begun in 165 BCE, but was only celebrated as a yearly festival from 400 BCE onwards. No matter how you choose to celebrates Hanukkah, it is sure to bring joy, hope and light to you and your family.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.