In 139 BCE, a small Jewish group known as the Maccabees achieved an unexpected victory against the powerful Syrian-Greek armies led by King Antiochus IV. This king had sought to suppress Jewish traditions and enforce Greek beliefs and practices. After their victory, the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which had been defiled, and began the process of repairing, cleaning, and rededicating it to their faith.
As part of the Temple's re-dedication, they needed to light the menorah, a sacred seven-branched lamp. However, they found only a small amount of ritually pure olive oil—enough to keep the menorah lit for just one day. In what is considered a miracle, that oil burned for eight days, giving them enough time to prepare new, pure oil for the lamp.
This event is commemorated in the Jewish holiday of Chanukah (Hanukkah), an eight-day festival also known as the Festival of Lights. Each night, candles are lit on a special menorah to honor the miracle and the perseverance of the Jewish people. The holiday symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, faith over despair, and the resilience of a people determined to uphold their traditions against all odds.
Chag Hanukkah Sameach!
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