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The History of Chanukah

Chanukah, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a celebration of the religious and military triumphs of past Jewish heroes. The holiday occurs on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar and lasts eight days and nights.

The story of Chanukah is one of determination and triumph. 2,200 years ago, the Greek-Syrian ruler Antiochus IV forced the people of Judea (now Israel) to forfeit their religious beliefs and customs. Some obeyed, but many refused to give in to the cultural assimilation. They were led by Judah the Maccabee, and the rebel armies became known as the Maccabees. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were successful in driving out the invading Syrians and reclaimed the Temple of Jerusalem. They wanted to cleanse the Temple of the Greek artifacts and customs, and finally re-dedicated the Temple on the 25th day of the month of Kislev.

The Maccabees then wished to light the eternal light present in all Jewish homes. However, they only found enough oil to light the lamp for one day. Miraculously the lamp remained lit for eight days and nights.

The word "Chanukah" means "rededication." This is closely associated with the Maccabees’ rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Chanukah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; however, it has become popular in the United States mainly because it lands around the same time as Christmas. The cultural and business phenomenon of the winter shopping season has extended to Chanukah as well.

What is the History of the Dreidel? When the Syrians were invading Judea, the Maccabees were constantly forming their next strategic moves. Worried that they would be caught, they kept spinning tops with them and pretended they were playing a game when a guard walked past. These tops were called "dreidels."

There is no one correct way to spell "Chanukah" because there is no exact English translation for the Hebrew word. Some variations include: Hanukkah, Hanukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Channukah, Hanukkah, and Khanukkah.