One hundred years after Alexander’s conquest of the Persian Empire in 333 BCE, Antiochus III added the Land of Israel to his empire. Later, his successor Antiochus Epiphanes IV (175-163 BCE) began a ruthless policy of using Greek culture to destroy the Jewish religion: He attempted to force the Jews to idolatry and to accept the Hellenistic way of life.
Maccabean Victory
The holiday commemorates the victory of a small band of Maccabees
over the pagan Seleucid Greeks who ruled over Palestine at
that time. The revolt was initiated by the High Priest Mattathius,
head of the Hasmonean family in the small village of Modiin.
Following the rebellion, the kingdom of Israel was restored
for 200 years, until the destruction of the Second Temple.
Dedication of Temple
The festival also celebrates the purification and dedication of the defiled Temple in Jerusalem, and the restoration of service to God, in 165 BCE, hence the name Chanukah which means "dedication."
Miracle of the Oil
Chanukah is also popularly named the Festival of Lights after the miracle of the flask of oil needed to light the Temple Menorah following the victory: Only one small jug of oil, sufficient for one day, was found - but it sufficed for eight days (by which time a fresh supply of pure oil was obtained).
Festival of 'Light' or 'Lights'?
Chanukah has commonly been called 'The Festival of Lights' referring to the flames kindled on each night. Yet we can also drop the letter ‘s’ and think of Chanukah as the victory of the forces of "light" - which include faith and loyalty to the Jewish tradition and the will to fight for these beliefs - over the forces of "darkness", represented by the hedonistic lifestyle of the ancient Greeks. According to the Kabbalists, the 'light' of Chanukah is the "Ohr HaGanuz", one of the highest emanations hidden away during Creation, to be revealed at the proper time.
Eight Days
Chanukah lasts eight days. On each day feelings of gratitude are expressed through special prayers, and the lights of the Menorah are lit each evening. It is also customary during the holiday for members of the family to play dreidel, to give presents, and to eat oily delicacies such as donuts, pancakes and "latkes."
Encouraging Education
Chanukah means both inauguration and education. For this reason it became customary for community officials to gather during Chanukah and to prescribe ways of enhancing Torah study among Jewish youth. Consequently, the custom of giving Chanukah "gelt" (Chanukah money) to the children grew, and by extension, the custom of giving presents on Chanukah has also become fashionable.
