Hanukkah is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the month of Kislev and includes the kindling of lights. It is a celebration of religious freedom for Jews and an important part of the Jewish calendar. But when did Hanukkah begin?
The origins of Hanukkah dates back to around 165 B.C.E. when a group of Jewish freedom fighters called Maccabees rebelled against the Greek-Syrians who had occupied the Land of Israel. The epic struggles of the Maccabees and their victory over the Greeks spoke of courage and faith in the face of tremendous odds and is an important part of Jewish culture and history.
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The Story of Chanukah
The Maccabees re-dedicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem and wanted to relight the Temple’s menorah. They were only able to find enough pure oil for one day yet the menorah miraculously stayed lit for 8 days, even though the flask of oil was only enough for one night. That is why today we celebrate Hanukkah for 8 days – to pay tribute to this miraculous event.
Chanukah and the Talmud
Hanukkah is mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud, which specifies the date of Chanukah as the 25th of Kislev. The Talmud states that the Jews should commemorate the miracles God performed for them during this period every year on the anniversary of the Maccabees’ victory.
What Year Did Hanukkah First Start?
The earliest recorded date for the beginning of Hanukkah is in the year 165 BCE. After the dedication of the Temple, no further documents mention Hanukkah until about 200 CE, when it is referred to in the Talmud. It is unclear if Hanukkah was observed during the years between the Maccabean revolt and the redaction of the Talmud.
Modern Observance of Chanukah
The festival of Hanukkah is celebrated in a number of ways. Modern day observance of the holiday includes:
- Lighting the Menorah for eight days, one light each day.
- Exchanging gifts and playing dreidel.
- Singing Hanukkah songs.
- Eating traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes and sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts).
Hanukkah has become an important time of religious celebration for Jews throughout the world. The story of the Maccabees and their victory against impossible odds is a source of courage, hope, and strength among the Jewish people. The lighting of the menorah for 8 days, exchanging gifts, enjoying treats and singing songs are also significant symbols of the festival. Hanukkah first started in 165 BCE, and the festival has been celebrated ever since.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.