hannukah

Jewish people across the globe celebrate the holiday Hanukkah (or one of the fifteen other spelling variations), but many do not know the true meaning behind the holiday. During the second century B.C., Israel was ruled by Syrian rulers such as Antiochus IV, and was part of the Syrian-Greek Empire. Antiochus IV attempted to force the Israelites into Greek Culture, rather than Judaism. At The Second Temple located in Jerusalem, the High Priest was removed and eventually replaced by Spartan, Menelaus. A rumor began to spread that Antiochus had been killed and the Jews rebelled against Menelaus. Menelaus was furious and ordered his men to attack the Jews and torchered them from there on out. One day, Mattityahu, an old priest schemed to kill Syrian men and officers. He also destroyed the altar. Mattityahu fled, knowing Antiochus would be infuriated. Mattityahu had told his sons that he hoped for them to defend the Torah. Judah the Strong was appointed leader and called, “Maccabee”. His followers were called “Maccabees”.

The Maccabees consisted of approximately 40,000 followers. They had defeated Antiochus and the Syrians and returned back to the Temple. They built a new altar and made a new menorah. A menorah is defined as “a sacred candelabrum with seven branches used in the Temple in Jerusalem”. The Jews realized that they had only enough olive oil to light the menorah for one day, but rather lasted for eight nights and eight days. This had proved to the Jews that God was once again, with them. Chanukah is continually celebrated by Jews by lighting the Menorah, playing dreidel, eating latkes and opening gifts.