Honoring the Maccabees’ Victory and the Miracle of the Menorah
Hanukkah, or the “Festival of Lights,” stands as one of the most cherished Jewish festivals, celebrated with joy across the world. Although it is not mentioned in the Torah, the holiday commemorates a powerful story: the courage of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels in ancient Israel who rose up against the Seleucid Greek King Antiochus, who sought to suppress Jewish culture and religion.
The historical details of the events surrounding the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem may still be a topic of debate, but the essence of Hanukkah is in celebrating both the Maccabees’ victory over oppression and the miracle that followed. According to tradition, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough sacred oil to light the menorah for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, symbolizing endurance and faith—a miracle that is celebrated each year by lighting the menorah.
When Does Hanukkah Begin?
Hanukkah spans eight days, beginning this year on Sunday, November 28.
How Hanukkah Is Celebrated
The festival is observed by lighting the menorah nightly, adding a new candle each evening until all eight are aglow. Families often gather to enjoy traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), play games like dreidel, and exchange small gifts. Above all, Hanukkah is a time to remember resilience and celebrate the light that shines against all odds.
