Hanukkah History and Traditions
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the re-dedication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to the Talmud, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting. This is an important celebration for the families during the final scene of Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank. |
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