The Story of Chanukah

Around the year 167 B.C.E., the Syrian-Greek rulers of Judea tried to force the Jews to assimilate into Hellenic culture. They summoned the Jews to the town squares where they were forced to worship idols or to sacrifice a pig before the idol.

When the Syrian-Greek soldiers demanded that the Jews of Modiin sacrifice a swine to one of their gods, Mattitiyahu, a priest from the Hasmonean family, refused to allow this desecration to take place and slew the Jewish heretic who volunteered. Mattitiyahu, together with his sons, also attacked the Syrian-Greek soldiers. They won that battle, but they were forced to take refuge in the hills. Mattitiyahu's sons became known as the Maccabees.

Under the leadership of Judah the Maccabee, the Jews launched a guerilla war for freedom. In 165 B.C.E., the Maccabees finally succeeded in routing the vastly superior Syrian-Greeks forces and retook the Temple, but by then the Syrian-Greeks had thoroughly desecrated the holy site. The Jews immediately set to work removing the alien idols, rebuilding the altar and performing the many tasks necessary to rededicate the Temple.

Unfortunately, there was no undefiled oil left with which to light the golden menorah. The Jews searched for sealed jars of pure, consecrated oil, and finally found a single flask with its seal intact. They rejoiced and hurried to light the Menorah and rededicate the Temple.

But it was only one flask of oil, good for only one day. It would take at least another week for fresh pure olive oil to be prepared and consecrated. Not wanting to postpone performing the mitzvah, they decided to light the Menorah with what they had--and the miracle of Chanukah occurred. Despite the small quantity of oil, the menorah remained lit for the entire eight days, proclaiming to the world that God's presence had returned to the Temple.

*This Treat was originally published on December 23, 2008. It is being re-Treated to help us better understand Chanukah.

Today's Action Tell The Story
When you light the first Chanukah candle tonight, retell the story of Chanukah.

Blessings Over Food

Wine or Grape Juice/Ha'gafen
Ha'gafen is the blessing recited over wine and grape juice.

Ba'ruch Ah'tah Ah'doh'nai Eh'lo'hay'nu Melech ha'o'lam bo'ray p'ree ha'gafen.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Become a Fan on Facebook

Follow Us Twitter



Jewish Treats Blog
Contact Us

You can also find
Jewish Treats on

Jewish Treats' Complete Guide To Chanukah eBook
Click Here to download your free copy today!

About this e-mail - Join Jews all over the world and connect to Judaism in three steps: learn a Jewish fact, do something Jewish, and say a prayer.

About NJOP - The National Jewish Outreach Program is a non-denominational organization designed to provide positive, joyous, Jewish experiences to every Jew.

Jewish Treats are written for NJOP by Sarah Rochel Hewitt, NJOP's Publication Coordinator.

Copyright © 2011 - NJOP All Rights Reserved