Hanukkah (also known as the Festival of Lights) is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. The events of Hanukkah took place during the Maccabean Revolt, which occurred between 164 and 63 BCE.
The Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt began in 167 BCE, when King Antiochus IV Epiphanes ascended the throne of Syria and tried to Hellenize Judea. He outlawed Jewish religious rites and persecuted Jews who refused to accept Greek culture.
In response to the oppression by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Jewish family known as the Maccabees led a revolt and eventually gained control of Judea. This period is known as the Maccabean Revolt.
The Miracle of Hanukkah
At the conclusion of the Maccabean Revolt, the Jewish people sought to rededicate and restore the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Despite the odds, they successfully reclaimed the Temple after months of battle. Following its rededication, the Jews celebrated for 8 days.
One of the most remarkable stories of Hanukkah is the Miracle of the Oil. When the Jewish people sought to restore the Temple, they prepared to burn the Menorah – the candelabra inside the Temple – but found there was only enough oil to burn for one day! Miraculously, the oil kept burning for 8 days - long enough for more to be prepared. This is why, to this day, the people celebrate Hanukkah for 8 days.
Celebrations
Today, the Festival of Lights is celebrated annually on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. During the 8 day festival, families light a menorah, give gifts, eat festive foods, and play a game of dreidel.
In conclusion, the events of Hanukkah took place during the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish revolt against Syrian rule in the 2nd century BCE. The 8 day festival celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple and the Miracle of the Oil, which allowed the menorah of the Temple to stay lit for 8 days. To this day, families come together to eat traditional food, light the menorah, and give gifts to one another in honor of this history of Hanukkah.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.