How Many Days of Hanukkah?
8 Eight.
Greetings
The Money Vikings wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah!
– Greg & Jerry
History
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This event took place in the 2nd century BCE, after the Maccabean Revolt, a successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire.
The story of Hanukkah begins with the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who outlawed Jewish religious practices. He also desecrated the Second Temple, dedicating it to the Greek god Zeus. In response, a group of Jewish rebels led by Judah Maccabee launched a revolt against the Seleucids.
After three years of fighting, the Maccabees defeated the Seleucids and recaptured Jerusalem. They then rededicated the Second Temple, which had been damaged during the war.
According to legend, the Maccabees found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one day. However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, giving the Jews time to prepare a new supply of oil.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah, one candle for each day of the holiday. People also eat traditional Hanukkah foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and play games with dreidels (spinning tops).
Here are some additional details about the story of Hanukkah:
- The Maccabean Revolt was a guerilla war fought by Jewish rebels against the Seleucid Empire.
- The rebels were led by Judah Maccabee, who is considered a hero in Jewish history.
- The rededication of the Second Temple is a major event in Jewish history, and Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish holidays.
- The miracle of the oil is a central part of the Hanukkah story, and it is a reminder of the power of faith.
Who Was Juda Maccabee?
Here are some key facts about Judah Maccabee:
- Son of a Priest: Judah was the third son of Mattathias the Hasmonean, a Jewish priest from the village of Modi’in.
- Military Leader: He rose to become the leader of the Maccabean rebels after his father’s death in 166 BCE.
- Tactical Brilliance: Judah was known for his military genius, employing guerilla tactics to outsmart and defeat much larger Seleucid armies.
- Reclaiming Jerusalem: In 164 BCE, he led the Maccabees in capturing Jerusalem and rededicating the Second Temple, which had been desecrated by the Seleucids.
- Symbol of Jewish Resistance: Judah Maccabee became a symbol of Jewish resistance against oppression and a hero in Jewish history.
- Legacy: He played a crucial role in the restoration of Jewish religious freedom and laid the foundation for the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea for over a century.