Many cherish Hanukkah, a holiday filled with the comforting smell of latkes, the lively clatter of dreidel games, and the warm, inviting glow of the menorah. While the story of the Maccabees’ brave revolt against the Greeks is well-known, a lesser-known chapter in Hanukkah’s history adds a profound layer of meaning to this beloved holiday.

A Meeting of Legends: A Glimpse into the Past

In the ancient city of Jerusalem, as dawn’s first light softly embraced the city, an extraordinary encounter unfolded. Alexander the Great’s formidable army approached the city gates, but instead of a confrontation, something remarkable happened. The High Priest, adorned in resplendent garments that shimmered in the early morning light, led a procession of priests through Jerusalem’s narrow, winding streets. Holding torches aloft, their faces reflected a blend of solemnity and hope. To everyone’s astonishment, Alexander dismounted his chariot and bowed before the High Priest—a gesture of respect that would become one of the most captivating episodes in Jerusalem’s rich tapestry of history.

The Maccabees: Who Were They?

To truly appreciate Hanukkah, it’s essential to delve into the story of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels who lived during the 2nd century BCE. Led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, who hailed from a priestly family in Judea (modern-day Israel), the Maccabees were fierce defenders of their faith and heritage. Their name, “Maccabee,” is believed to derive from the Hebrew word for “hammer,” symbolizing their strength and resilience. They led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire, a Greek dynasty that ruled much of the Near East, including Judea.

175 BCE: Strife, Division, and Triumph

Fast forward to 175 BCE, a period marked by intense strife and division among the Greeks. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the ruler of the northern Greek faction, launched an invasion of Judea. His actions, heavily influenced by the Hellenizing Jewish faction in Jerusalem, plunged the region into turmoil. As the historian Flavius Josephus records:

“The king being there to disposed, complied with them, and came upon the Jews with a great army, and took their city by force, and slew a great multitude of those that favored Ptolemy, and sent out his soldiers to plunder them without mercy; he also spoiled the temple, and put a stop to the constant practice of offering a daily sacrifice of expiation for three years and six months.” ¹

This Hellenizing faction embraced Greek culture and ideas, causing deep divisions within the Jewish community. They supported the imposition of Greek customs in Jerusalem and transformed the Temple into a center for Greek worship. This cultural and religious erosion threatened the very essence of Jewish identity and faith, setting the stage for the Maccabees’ revolt—a struggle to preserve Jewish practices and beliefs.

The Maccabees’ Resistance: A Struggle for Identity

Amidst the darkness of these times, the Maccabees’ bravery shone brightly. Their miraculous victory over the Seleucid Empire was a triumph of military might and a testament to divine intervention and unwavering faith. The Maccabees fought to restore Jewish religious practices that had been outlawed and to cleanse and rededicate the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This rededication is at the heart of Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates physical and spiritual victories.

The Heart of Hanukkah: Celebrating Miracles with ‘Al Hanissim’

One of the most cherished aspects of Hanukkah is the singing of “Al Hanissim” after lighting the menorah. This song, far more than just a festive tune, captures the essence of the holiday. It celebrates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees, attributing their success to divine intervention rather than mere military prowess.

“You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the insolent into the hands of those who engage in Your Torah.” ²

This beautiful prayer reflects on the rededication of the Temple and the revival of the Jewish faith, reminding us of the strength, courage, and devotion that define our heritage.

From Hellenistic Culture to Jewish Resilience: The Lasting Impact

Even in the wake of their victory, the influence of Hellenistic culture did not vanish overnight. A century later, the Romans—heirs to Greek traditions—came to control Judea after King Herod’s death. The destruction of the Grand Temple in 70 AD marked the beginning of a long and painful period of Jewish exile. Some rabbis even debated whether Hanukkah should continue to be observed after this tragic event. Yet, voices like that of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks argued for preserving the holiday, viewing it as a symbol of resilience and hope:

“Hanukkah is not just a celebration of a past victory but a reminder of the enduring power of hope and faith.” ³

A Light for Future Generations

Hanukkah is more than a celebration of past victories; it’s a testament to the enduring strength and faith of the Jewish people. It’s about keeping the light of hope alive for future generations, no matter the challenges we face.

As you light the menorah this Hanukkah, take a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of those who came before us. Let their courage inspire you to bring light into your life and share that with others. How will you keep the spirit of Hanukkah alive in your daily life?

To capture the spirit of Hanukkah, this acapella video beautifully encapsulates the uplifting message of the holiday.

FOOTNOTES:

1. Josephus, Flavius. The Antiquities of the Jews. Translated by William Whiston, Project Gutenberg, 2008, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2848.
2. “Al Hanissim.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/371618/jewish/Al-Hanissim.htm.
3. “The Hidden Story of Chanukah.” Keynote address by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, Bushey Synagogue, 20 Oct. 2012. Bushey Synagogue, www.busheysynagogue.org.uk/video/hidden-story-chanukah.