JUDAS MACCABEUS

Made By: Aaron Jalca

WHO IS HE?

Judas Maccabeus is an important figure in the

Judaism religion. He was a Jew himself actually. He

literally fought for Jewish beliefs. This is his story

LIFE

Judas (also known as Judah) Maccabeus was the third son of Mattathias the

Hasmonean, a Jewish priest from the village Modiin. In 167 BC Mattathias and

his sons Eleazar, Simon, John, Jonathan, and Judas started a rebellion against

the Greek/Syrians (also know as the Seleucid Empire). The Seleucid king

Antiochus IV outlawed Jewish beliefs and customs. So, the Jews started a revolt.

After Mattathias died Judas assumed leadership. His was given the surname

Maccabee which means “hammer” or “sledgehammer”. His troops were called

Maccabees thereafter. Judas died in the Battle of Elasa.

WAR REASONS

Jewish customs were outlawed.

Pagan priests were allowed to offer sacrifices in God’s temple.

King Antiochus IV pillaged the temple.

Mattathias killed a pagan priest offering an “unclean” pig as a sacrifice to

Zeus in God’s temple.

BATTLE H IGHL IGHTS AND WAR EFFORTS

Battle of Emmaus (one of the first victories)

Battle at Jerusalem (most important victory)

Roman-Jewish Treaty (a treaty of friendship to

Rome)

HANUKKAH

After the Maccabees had conquered Jerusalem, they were prepared

to rededicate the Temple. But the Eternal Flame (a sacred lamp that

was supposed to be lit) was running out of oil. It would take the

Jews eight days to purify more oil, but the lamp would only last for

one more day. The candle miraculously stayed lit for the eight days

it took to purify more oil. The Jews now celebrate Hanukkah

because of this.

THE END