F5: Chanukah

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Antiochus

The situation became critical in 168 BCE, when Antiochus IV, the then king of Syria, placed a statue of the Greek god Zeus in the Holy Temple and forced Jews to worship it. This was the first of many decrees this cruel king made against the Jews. His aim was to erase Judaism altogether and make all the Jews become Greek. The death penalty was given to any Jew who tried to keep the Torah and altars in honour of Greek gods were erected all over Israel. (see back page). Many Jews left their way of life and belief, but others were more determined. They escaped and hid in the mountains around Jerusalem. Matityahu the Priest was to become their leader.

Persecution under Syrian Rule

During this tragic time, many martyrs died "al kiddush haShem", for the holiness of God's name. No torture or fear of death could shake their belief in God. Eliezer, an old priest, was beaten to death mercilessly by the soldiers of Antiochus because he refused to eat pig. Then there is the story of a woman named Hannah. Antiochus had decided to make an example of Hannah and her seven sons and to convert them to Greek beliefs. Each of her sons was tortured before her eyes in the hope that she would weaken. One by one they died. They defied the king and refused to bow down to Greek idols. Hannah's courage was so great that, although her heart was broken, she did not weaken. She died strong in her faith with a prayer on her lips.

Jerusalem had become a place of strangers, for many Jews had escaped to far off villages and farms in the hope that they could observe the Torah more safely there. The Book of the Maccabees, written then and still surviving, tells us that Jerusalem's "sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her festivals were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honour into contempt."

Matityahu

He had lived with his five sons in Jerusalem, but fled north to Modin when the Antiochus had a statue put in the Temple. The Syrians soon came to Modin and erected an altar to their Greek gods. When the first Jew came forward to bow down, Matityahu killed him, shouting "Mi laShem Elai", (Whoever is for God, come with me!), he rallied the people and led them to the mountains to prepare for battle.

Yehudah HaMaccabee

For a year, Matityahu led ambushes against the Syrian army, killing many and tearing down Greek altars wherever possible. But he was already very old and chose his son Yehudah to continue the revolt. Yehudah was known for his bravery and skill at military strategy. His soldiers called him Yehudah HaMaccabee, Judah the Hammer, because his blows against the enemy were as swift and sure as those of a hammer. His people became known as Maccabees.

In the coming years the Maccabees won victory after victory against the infuriated Antiochus. The king was warring in other parts of his empire and could not defeat Judah without a complete army. The Jews were fighting for the freedom to worship God and follow His laws. This gave them incredible courage and conviction. Avoiding open warfare and relying on clever tactics, the Jews survived the attempts of three Syrian generals each sent to destroy them and in 165 BCE entered Jerusalem which they had recaptured.

Chanukah - 165 BCE

When Yehudah and his forces entered Jerusalem, they found the Holy Temple desecrated and full of idols. The beautiful building where the Jews had worshipped their God for so long was dirty and uncared for. The Maccabees cleaned it out and planned to rededicate Temple worship by lighting the golden Menorah, but they could only find one untouched jug of pure oil, enough for one day's light. A fresh supply would take a week to arrive and rededication required the lights on the Menorah to burn continually. Beginning on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, for eight miraculous days, Yehudah used the same small jug to keep the Menorah alight, long enough for supplies to be replenished. The Holy Temple could be used again and the Jews celebrated there renewed dedication to God. Chanukah is Hebrew for dedication.

Celebrating Chanukah

Every year, starting on the 25th of Kislev, Jews light an eight branched candelabra (Chanukiyah) and place it near the windows of their homes. For eight days, we are reminded of the success of the Maccabees in regaining their chance to worship their God without hindrance or fear. Chanukah is also called the Festival of Lights because each night another candle is lit until eight are lit on the last night of the festival.

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