Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid Greeks in the 2nd century BCE and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Historical Background
Judea faced oppression under King Antiochus IV, who banned Jewish practices and desecrated the Temple. Judah Maccabee led a revolt, defeating the larger Greek forces against the odds, which allowed Jews to reclaim and purify the Temple.
The Miracle of Oil
After rededication, only enough pure oil remained to light the Temple's menorah for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days. This event established the eight-night festival, with a candle lit each night on a hanukkiyah.
Core Themes
The holiday emphasizes religious freedom, resilience against persecution, and light triumphing over darkness, symbolized by public candle lighting. Customs include eating oil-fried foods like latkes and playing dreidel.
