The Historical The Historical Background of Background of

HanukkahHanukkah

and why we celebrate for 8 and why we celebrate for 8 daysdays

The New York TimesThe New York Times12/11/09 – David Brooks12/11/09 – David Brooks

►Tonight Jewish kids will light the Tonight Jewish kids will light the menorah, spin their dreidels and get menorah, spin their dreidels and get their presents, but Hanukkah is the their presents, but Hanukkah is the most adult of holidays. It most adult of holidays. It commemorates an event in which the commemorates an event in which the good guys did horrible things, the bad good guys did horrible things, the bad guys did good things and in which guys did good things and in which everybody is flummoxed by insoluble everybody is flummoxed by insoluble conflicts that remain with us today. conflicts that remain with us today.

1 Maccabees ch. 21 Maccabees ch. 2► 23 There came a certain Jew in the sight of all 23 There came a certain Jew in the sight of all

to sacrifice to the idols upon the altar in the to sacrifice to the idols upon the altar in the city of Modin, according to the king's city of Modin, according to the king's commandment. 24 And Mathathias saw and commandment. 24 And Mathathias saw and was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his wrath was kindled according to the judgment wrath was kindled according to the judgment of the law, and running upon him he slew him of the law, and running upon him he slew him upon the altar. 25 Moreover the man whom upon the altar. 25 Moreover the man whom king Antiochus had sent, who compelled them king Antiochus had sent, who compelled them to sacrifice, he slew at the same time, and to sacrifice, he slew at the same time, and pulled down the altar. 26 And showed zeal for pulled down the altar. 26 And showed zeal for the law, as Phinees did by Zamri the son of the law, as Phinees did by Zamri the son of Salomi.Salomi.

I Maccabees 1:11

►In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law, and

►they seduced many people, saying: "Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.“

►Cf. Jer 44:18

►What is Hellenism?What is Hellenism?►Why did Antiochus persecute the Jews?Why did Antiochus persecute the Jews?►Why do we celebrate for 8 days?Why do we celebrate for 8 days?►Why do we celebrate on Kislev 25Why do we celebrate on Kislev 25thth??►What can Hanukka mean for us today?What can Hanukka mean for us today?

Babylonians 605 – 539 BCE

Persians 539 – 332 BCE

Hasmonean Rule 142 – 63 BCE

Romans 63 BCE –395 CE

Hellenistic RuleAlexander 332 BCE

Ptolemies 301 – 200 BCESeleucids 200 – 142 BCE

Jeremiah’s Prophecy of 70Jeremiah’s Prophecy of 70 ירמיהו פרק כה:יא-יבירמיהו פרק כה:יא-יב►

TוSים T הVג XעYבXדו STאת לXחYרXבYTה לXש]VמYTה ו YTל הYאYרbץ הVז XתYה כ XהYי TוSים ו T הVג XעYבXדו STאת לXחYרXבYTה לXש]VמYTה ו YTל הYאYרbץ הVז XתYה כ XהYי וYה כcמXלSאות XהYי Yה: ו X בYTבbל ש]cבXעcים ש]Yנ לbך bת מbה אbT Yה כcמXלSאות הYאfל XהYי Yה: ו X בYTבbל ש]cבXעcים ש]Yנ לbך bת מbה אbT הYאfלTא TוSי הVהו XעVל הVג X בYTבbל ו לbך bל מVד עSקXפbה אY Tא ש]cבXעcים ש]Yנ TוSי הVהו XעVל הVג X בYTבbל ו לbך bל מVד עSקXפbה אY ש]cבXעcים ש]Yנ SתוSי אc TתXמVgשX cTים ו VTשXgד XעVל אbרbץ כ Yם ו Yק אbת עhוSנ XקSו Xאiם י cי אSתוS נ TתXמVgשX cTים ו VTשXgד XעVל אbרbץ כ Yם ו Yק אbת עhוSנ XקSו Xאiם י נ

לXש]cמXמוSת עוSלYם:לXש]cמXמוSת עוSלYם:cTי לXפcי מXלSאת ירמיהו פרק כט:יירמיהו פרק כט:י► Yק כ XקSו cTי כSה אYמVר י cTי לXפcי מXלSאת כ Yק כ XקSו cTי כSה אYמVר י כ

Yה אbפXקSד אbתXכbם Yה אbפXקSד אbתXכbםלXבYבbל ש]cבXעcים ש]Yנ לXבYבbל ש]cבXעcים ש]YנXTבYרcי הVטTוSב VהhקcמSתcי עhלfיכbם אbת ד XTבYרcי הVטTוSב ו VהhקcמSתcי עhלfיכbם אbת ד וbTה: bTה:לXהYש]cיב אbתXכbם אbל הVמYTקוSם הVז לXהYש]cיב אbתXכbם אbל הVמYTקוSם הVז

Cyrus CylinderCyrus Cylinder

►Now in the British MuseumNow in the British Museum

Read thisRead this

Cyrus CylinderCyrus Cylinder► [28-33][28-33] By his exalted word, all the kings who sit upon By his exalted word, all the kings who sit upon

thrones throughout the world, from the Upper Sea to the Lower thrones throughout the world, from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea [Sea [i.e., from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulfi.e., from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf], who ], who live in the districts far-off, the kings of the West, who dwell in live in the districts far-off, the kings of the West, who dwell in tents, all of them, brought their heavy tribute before me and in tents, all of them, brought their heavy tribute before me and in Babylon they kissed my feet. From Babylon to Aššur and from Babylon they kissed my feet. From Babylon to Aššur and from Susa, Agade, Ešnunna, Zamban, Me-Turnu, Der, as far as the Susa, Agade, Ešnunna, Zamban, Me-Turnu, Der, as far as the region of Gutium, the sacred centers on the other side of the region of Gutium, the sacred centers on the other side of the Tigris, whose sanctuaries had been abandoned for a long time, Tigris, whose sanctuaries had been abandoned for a long time, I returned the images of the gods, who had resided there [i.e., I returned the images of the gods, who had resided there [i.e., in Babylon], to their places and I let them dwell in eternal in Babylon], to their places and I let them dwell in eternal abodes. I gathered all their inhabitants and returned to them abodes. I gathered all their inhabitants and returned to them their dwellings. In addition, at the command of Marduk, the their dwellings. In addition, at the command of Marduk, the great lord, I settled in their habitations, in pleasing abodes, the great lord, I settled in their habitations, in pleasing abodes, the gods of Sumer and Akkad, whom Nabonidus, to the anger of gods of Sumer and Akkad, whom Nabonidus, to the anger of the lord of the gods, had brought into Babylon.the lord of the gods, had brought into Babylon.

► [34-36][34-36] May all the gods whom I settled in their sacred May all the gods whom I settled in their sacred centers ask daily of Bêl and Nâbu that my days be long and centers ask daily of Bêl and Nâbu that my days be long and may they intercede for my welfare. May they say to Marduk, may they intercede for my welfare. May they say to Marduk, my lord: "As for Cyrus, the king who reveres you, and my lord: "As for Cyrus, the king who reveres you, and Cambyses, his son, [Cambyses, his son, [lacunalacuna]." The people of Babylon blessed ]." The people of Babylon blessed my kingship, and I settled all the lands in peaceful abodes. my kingship, and I settled all the lands in peaceful abodes.

Cyrus Cylinder in British Museum, LondonCyrus Cylinder in British Museum, London

Replica of Cyrus Cylinder in UN, New YorkReplica of Cyrus Cylinder in UN, New York

A seal from the 6A seal from the 6thth cent. BCE cent. BCE““Belonging to Belonging to Yehoyishma, Yehoyishma, daughter of daughter of Sawas-sar-Sawas-sar-usur.” Sawas-usur.” Sawas-sar-usur is a sar-usur is a well-known neo-well-known neo-Babylonian Babylonian name that name that means means "Shamash [the "Shamash [the Babylonian sun-Babylonian sun-god] protect the god] protect the king king

Important DatesImportant Dates

► 587 BCE Destruction of Bet haMikdash I587 BCE Destruction of Bet haMikdash I► 539 BCE Cyrus destroys Babylonia, decrees 539 BCE Cyrus destroys Babylonia, decrees

that Jews can returnthat Jews can return► 520-516 BCE Rebuilding of Bet haMikdash520-516 BCE Rebuilding of Bet haMikdash IIII

יום ► ה מ� ל ע� מ ה ו ז� יום ה� ן ה� ם, מ� כ� ב� ב� א ל� ימו נ יום חגי ב:יח – ש� ה מ� ל ע� מ ה ו ז� יום ה� ן ה� ם, מ� כ� ב� ב� א ל� ימו נ חגי ב:יח – ש�ה -הו ל י� יכ� ד ה� ס� ר-י" ש� יום א% ן-ה� מ� י, ל� יע� ש� ת� ה ל� ע ב אר� ים ו� ר� ש� הע� -הו ל י� יכ� ד ה� ס� ר-י" ש� יום א% ן-ה� מ� י, ל� יע� ש� ת� ה ל� ע ב אר� ים ו� ר� ש� ע�

ם. כ� ב� ב� ימו ל� ם.ש� כ� ב� ב� ימו ל� ש�► 55thth century – Ezra and Nehemiah century – Ezra and Nehemiah► 332 BCE Alexander the Great conquers 332 BCE Alexander the Great conquers

Judea and Persian EmpireJudea and Persian Empire

Babylonians 605 – 539 BCE

Persians 539 – 332 BCE

Hasmonean Rule 142 – 63 BCE

Romans 63 BCE –395 CE

Hellenistic RuleAlexander 332 BCE

Ptolemies 301 – 200 BCESeleucids 200 – 142 BCE

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQfBinQwPGs&feature=emailhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQfBinQwPGs&feature=email

Alexander the MacedonianAlexander the Macedonian

Unifying the EmpireUnifying the Empire

Alexander encouraged intermarriages, setting Alexander encouraged intermarriages, setting an example by marrying a Persian princess an example by marrying a Persian princess himself. He placed soldiers from all the himself. He placed soldiers from all the provinces in his army. He introduced a uniform provinces in his army. He introduced a uniform currency system throughout the empire and currency system throughout the empire and promoted trade and commerce. He promoted trade and commerce. He encouraged the spread of Greek ideas, encouraged the spread of Greek ideas, customs, and laws into Asia. When he heard customs, and laws into Asia. When he heard that some of his provincial officials ruled that some of his provincial officials ruled unjustly, he replaced them. To receive unjustly, he replaced them. To receive recognition as the supreme ruler, he required recognition as the supreme ruler, he required the provinces to worship him as a god.the provinces to worship him as a god.

ArrianArrian of Nicomedia of Nicomedia on on Weddings at SusaWeddings at Susa

► Then he also celebrated weddings at Then he also celebrated weddings at SusaSusa, both his own and those of his , both his own and those of his Companions. He himself married Companions. He himself married BarsineBarsine, the eldest of Darius' daughters, , the eldest of Darius' daughters, and, according to and, according to AristobulusAristobulus, another girl as well, Parysatis, the youngest , another girl as well, Parysatis, the youngest of the daughters of Ochus. He had already married previously of the daughters of Ochus. He had already married previously RoxaneRoxane, the , the daughter of Oxyartes of daughter of Oxyartes of BactriaBactria..

► He gave Drypetis to He gave Drypetis to HephaestionHephaestion, she too a daughter of Darius and a sister , she too a daughter of Darius and a sister of his own wife; his intention was that the children of Hephaestion should of his own wife; his intention was that the children of Hephaestion should be cousins to his own children. To be cousins to his own children. To CraterusCraterus he gave Amastris daughter of he gave Amastris daughter of OxyathresOxyathres, brother of Darius, and to , brother of Darius, and to PerdiccasPerdiccas the daughter of the daughter of AtropatesAtropates, , satrap of satrap of MediaMedia. To . To PtolemyPtolemy the the bodyguardbodyguard and to and to EumenesEumenes the royal the royal secretary he gave the daughters of secretary he gave the daughters of ArtabazusArtabazus, Artacama to one and Artonis , Artacama to one and Artonis to the other. To to the other. To NearchusNearchus he gave the daughter of he gave the daughter of BarsineBarsine and and MentorMentor, and , and to to SeleucusSeleucus the daughter of the daughter of SpitamenesSpitamenes of Bactria. Similarly he gave to the of Bactria. Similarly he gave to the other Companions the noblest daughters of the Persians and Medes, some other Companions the noblest daughters of the Persians and Medes, some eighty in all. eighty in all.

► The marriages were celebrated according to Persian custom. Chairs were The marriages were celebrated according to Persian custom. Chairs were placed for the bridegrooms in order, and after the drinks the brides came in placed for the bridegrooms in order, and after the drinks the brides came in and sat down, each by the side of her groom. They took them by the hand and sat down, each by the side of her groom. They took them by the hand and kissed them; the king began the ceremony, for all the weddings took and kissed them; the king began the ceremony, for all the weddings took place together. More than any action of Alexander this seemed to show a place together. More than any action of Alexander this seemed to show a popular and comradely spirit. The bridegrooms after receiving their brides popular and comradely spirit. The bridegrooms after receiving their brides led them away, each to his own home, and to all Alexander gave a dowry. led them away, each to his own home, and to all Alexander gave a dowry. And as for all the And as for all the MacedoniansMacedonians who had already married Asian women, who had already married Asian women, Alexander ordered a list of their names to be drawn up; they numbered Alexander ordered a list of their names to be drawn up; they numbered over 10,000, and Alexander offered them all gifts their wedding.  over 10,000, and Alexander offered them all gifts their wedding. 

High PriestsHigh Priests

Shimon ha-Sadiq

Onias III Jason (Yehoshua) (175-171)Jason (Yehoshua) (175-171)

Meneleus (171-161)Meneleus (171-161)

Sadok

Jonathan the Hasmonean

Hellenistic PeriodHellenistic Period► 332BCE Alexander the Great conquers Palestine332BCE Alexander the Great conquers Palestine► 323BCE Alexander dies323BCE Alexander dies

Diadochi, Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in SyriaDiadochi, Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in Syria► 301-201BCE Ptolemaic Rule301-201BCE Ptolemaic Rule

Allowed to continue as semiautonomousAllowed to continue as semiautonomous► 201BCE Seleucid conquest of Palestine201BCE Seleucid conquest of Palestine► 175-171BCE Jason High Priest175-171BCE Jason High Priest

bribes Antiochus IV for high priesthoodbribes Antiochus IV for high priesthood builds gymnasium in Jerusalem which becomes a polis – builds gymnasium in Jerusalem which becomes a polis –

“Antioch”“Antioch”► 171-162BCE Menelaus High Priest171-162BCE Menelaus High Priest

Converts temple into pagan shrine, YHVH=Zeus=Baal ShaminConverts temple into pagan shrine, YHVH=Zeus=Baal Shamin► 168BCE – Bet haMikdash is looted, Jews are massacred168BCE – Bet haMikdash is looted, Jews are massacred► 167-166 Antiochus IV decrees persecution167-166 Antiochus IV decrees persecution► 164 Judah conquers Jerusalem and rededicates the 164 Judah conquers Jerusalem and rededicates the

TempleTemple

Why did Antiochus Persecute Why did Antiochus Persecute the Jews?the Jews?

1.1. He was crazy, nervous, eccentric.He was crazy, nervous, eccentric.May have hastened the persecution but not May have hastened the persecution but not

caused it.caused it.

2.2. He was a Great Hellenizer and unifierHe was a Great Hellenizer and unifierBut only for political ends by making But only for political ends by making poleispoleis, ,

not cultural.not cultural.

3.3. The Jewish Hellenizers asked for the The Jewish Hellenizers asked for the decrees.decrees.

4.4. Decrees result from a civil war.Decrees result from a civil war.

Why is Hanukah on Why is Hanukah on Kislev 25?Kislev 25?

Megilat Ta’anitMegilat Ta’anit

..בעשרים ושלושה במרחשון נסתר הסורג מן העזרהבעשרים ושלושה במרחשון נסתר הסורג מן העזרה►מפני שבנו שם גוים מקום, והעמידו עליו את הזונות. מפני שבנו שם גוים מקום, והעמידו עליו את הזונות.

וכשתקפה יד בית חשמונאי נטלוהו מהן, וסתרוהו, ומצאו וכשתקפה יד בית חשמונאי נטלוהו מהן, וסתרוהו, ומצאו שם אבנים טובות, ונמנו עליהן וגנזו אותן. והן מונחות עד שם אבנים טובות, ונמנו עליהן וגנזו אותן. והן מונחות עד

היום הזה, עד שיבוא אליהו ויעיד עליהן אם טמאות הן היום הזה, עד שיבוא אליהו ויעיד עליהן אם טמאות הן אם טהורות. אם טהורות.

יום שסתרוהו עשאוהו יום טוב.יום שסתרוהו עשאוהו יום טוב.

בשלושה בכסליו ניטלו הפסלים מן החצר בשלושה בכסליו ניטלו הפסלים מן החצר ►מפני שבנו שם גוים סימואתא, וכשגברה יד בית חשמונאי מפני שבנו שם גוים סימואתא, וכשגברה יד בית חשמונאי

בטלום והוציאום משם. בטלום והוציאום משם. יום שבטלום עשאוהו יום טוב.יום שבטלום עשאוהו יום טוב.

Haggai 2:18Haggai 2:18

יום ► ה; מ� ל ע� מ ה ו ז� יום ה� ן-ה� ם, מ� כ� ב� ב� א ל� ימו-נ יום ש� ה; מ� ל ע� מ ה ו ז� יום ה� ן-ה� ם, מ� כ� ב� ב� א ל� ימו-נ ש�ד ס� ר-י" ש� יום א% ן-ה� מ� י, ל� יע� ש� ת� ה ל� ע ב אר� ים ו� ר� ש� ד ע� ס� ר-י" ש� יום א% ן-ה� מ� י, ל� יע� ש� ת� ה ל� ע ב אר� ים ו� ר� ש� ע�

ה -הו ל י� יכ� הה� -הו ל י� יכ� ם. ה� כ� ב� ב� ימו ל� ם.ש� כ� ב� ב� ימו ל� ש�►Consider, I pray you, from this day and Consider, I pray you, from this day and

forward, from the four and twentieth forward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of Hashem’s day that the foundation of Hashem’s temple was laid, consider it.temple was laid, consider it.

I Maccabees 1I Maccabees 1

►     54 Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one 54 Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating hundred forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. They also sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. They also built altars in the surrounding towns of built altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, 55and offered incense at the doors of the Judah, 55and offered incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets. 56The books of the law houses and in the streets. 56The books of the law that they found they tore to pieces and burned with that they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. 57Anyone found possessing the book of the fire. 57Anyone found possessing the book of the covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king. 58They condemned to death by decree of the king. 58They kept using violence against Israel, against those kept using violence against Israel, against those who were found month after month in the who were found month after month in the towns. 59On the twenty-fifth day of the month they towns. 59On the twenty-fifth day of the month they offered sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the offered sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the altar of burnt offering. altar of burnt offering.

Winter Solstice HolidayWinter Solstice Holidayתלמוד בבלי מסכת עבודה זרה דף ח עמוד א תלמוד בבלי מסכת עבודה זרה דף ח עמוד א

גמ'. אמר רב חנן בר רבא: קלנדא - ח' ימים אחר תקופה, סטרנורא גמ'. אמר רב חנן בר רבא: קלנדא - ח' ימים אחר תקופה, סטרנורא ►- ח' ימים לפני תקופה, וסימנך: )תהלים קלט( אחור וקדם צרתני - ח' ימים לפני תקופה, וסימנך: )תהלים קלט( אחור וקדם צרתני

וגו'. וגו'. ת"ר: לפי שראה אדם הראשון יום שמתמעט והולך, אמר: אוי לי, ת"ר: לפי שראה אדם הראשון יום שמתמעט והולך, אמר: אוי לי, ►

שמא בשביל שסרחתי עולם חשוך בעדי וחוזר לתוהו ובוהו, וזו היא שמא בשביל שסרחתי עולם חשוך בעדי וחוזר לתוהו ובוהו, וזו היא מיתה שנקנסה עלי מן השמים, עמד וישב ח' ימים בתענית מיתה שנקנסה עלי מן השמים, עמד וישב ח' ימים בתענית

]ובתפלה[, כיון שראה תקופת טבת וראה יום שמאריך והולך, אמר: ]ובתפלה[, כיון שראה תקופת טבת וראה יום שמאריך והולך, אמר: מנהגו של עולם הוא, הלך ועשה שמונה ימים טובים, לשנה האחרת מנהגו של עולם הוא, הלך ועשה שמונה ימים טובים, לשנה האחרת עשאן לאלו ולאלו ימים טובים, הוא קבעם לשם שמים, והם קבעום עשאן לאלו ולאלו ימים טובים, הוא קבעם לשם שמים, והם קבעום לשם עבודת כוכבים. בשלמא למ"ד: בתשרי נברא העולם, יומי זוטי לשם עבודת כוכבים. בשלמא למ"ד: בתשרי נברא העולם, יומי זוטי חזא, יומי אריכי אכתי לא חזא; אלא למ"ד: בניסן נברא העולם, הא חזא, יומי אריכי אכתי לא חזא; אלא למ"ד: בניסן נברא העולם, הא

חזא ליה יומי זוטי ויומי אריכי! ]דהוי[ זוטי כולי האי לא חזא. חזא ליה יומי זוטי ויומי אריכי! ]דהוי[ זוטי כולי האי לא חזא. ת"ר: יום שנברא בו אדם הראשון, כיון ששקעה עליו חמה, אמר: אוי ת"ר: יום שנברא בו אדם הראשון, כיון ששקעה עליו חמה, אמר: אוי ►

לי, שבשביל שסרחתי עולם חשוך בעדי ויחזור עולם לתוהו ובוהו, לי, שבשביל שסרחתי עולם חשוך בעדי ויחזור עולם לתוהו ובוהו, וזו היא מיתה שנקנסה עלי מן השמים, היה יושב ]בתענית[ ובוכה וזו היא מיתה שנקנסה עלי מן השמים, היה יושב ]בתענית[ ובוכה כל הלילה וחוה בוכה כנגדו, כיון שעלה עמוד השחר, אמר: מנהגו כל הלילה וחוה בוכה כנגדו, כיון שעלה עמוד השחר, אמר: מנהגו

של עולם הוא.של עולם הוא.

Winter SolsticeWinter Solstice► Babylonian Talmud, Avodah Zara 8aBabylonian Talmud, Avodah Zara 8a► Our Rabbis taught: When Adam saw the day Our Rabbis taught: When Adam saw the day

getting gradually shorter, he said, ‘Woe is me, getting gradually shorter, he said, ‘Woe is me, perhaps because I have sinned, the world perhaps because I have sinned, the world around me is being darkened and returning to around me is being darkened and returning to its state of chaos and confusion; this then is its state of chaos and confusion; this then is the kind of death to which I have been the kind of death to which I have been sentenced from Heaven!’ So he began sentenced from Heaven!’ So he began keeping an eight days’ fast. But as he keeping an eight days’ fast. But as he observed the winter solstice and noted the observed the winter solstice and noted the day getting increasingly longer, he said, ‘This day getting increasingly longer, he said, ‘This is the world's course’, and he set forth to is the world's course’, and he set forth to keep an eight days’ festivity. In the following keep an eight days’ festivity. In the following year he appointed both as festivals. Now, he year he appointed both as festivals. Now, he fixed them for the sake of Heaven, but the fixed them for the sake of Heaven, but the [heathens] appointed them for the sake of [heathens] appointed them for the sake of idolatry.idolatry.

Why is Hanukah 8 Why is Hanukah 8 Days?Days?

Josephus is in the “Dark”Josephus is in the “Dark”Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 12:7Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 12:7► Now Judas celebrated the festival of the restoration of Now Judas celebrated the festival of the restoration of

the sacrifices of the temple for eight days, and omitted the sacrifices of the temple for eight days, and omitted no sort of pleasures thereon; but he feasted them upon no sort of pleasures thereon; but he feasted them upon very rich and splendid sacrifices; and he honored God, very rich and splendid sacrifices; and he honored God, and delighted them by hymns and psalms. Nay, they and delighted them by hymns and psalms. Nay, they were so very glad at the revival of their customs, when, were so very glad at the revival of their customs, when, after a long time of intermission, they unexpectedly had after a long time of intermission, they unexpectedly had regained the freedom of their worship, that they made it regained the freedom of their worship, that they made it a law for their posterity, that they should keep a festival, a law for their posterity, that they should keep a festival, on account of the restoration of their temple worship, for on account of the restoration of their temple worship, for eight days. And from that time to this we celebrate this eight days. And from that time to this we celebrate this festival, and call it Lights. I suppose the reason was, festival, and call it Lights. I suppose the reason was, because this liberty beyond our hopes appeared to us; because this liberty beyond our hopes appeared to us; and that thence was the name given to that festival. and that thence was the name given to that festival. Judas also rebuilt the walls round about the city, and Judas also rebuilt the walls round about the city, and reared towers of great height against the incursions of reared towers of great height against the incursions of enemies, and set guards therein. He also fortified the enemies, and set guards therein. He also fortified the city Bethsura, that it might serve as a citadel against city Bethsura, that it might serve as a citadel against any distresses that might come from our enemies.any distresses that might come from our enemies.

Lit for Eight DaysLit for Eight Days

תלמוד בבלי מסכת שבת דף כא עמוד ב תלמוד בבלי מסכת שבת דף כא עמוד ב ►מאי חנוכה? דתנו רבנן: בכ"ה בכסליו יומי דחנוכה מאי חנוכה? דתנו רבנן: בכ"ה בכסליו יומי דחנוכה ►

תמניא אינון, דלא למספד בהון ודלא להתענות בהון. תמניא אינון, דלא למספד בהון ודלא להתענות בהון. שכשנכנסו יוונים להיכל טמאו כל השמנים שבהיכל, שכשנכנסו יוונים להיכל טמאו כל השמנים שבהיכל,

וכשגברה מלכות בית חשמונאי ונצחום, בדקו ולא מצאו וכשגברה מלכות בית חשמונאי ונצחום, בדקו ולא מצאו אלא פך אחד של שמן שהיה מונח בחותמו של כהן אלא פך אחד של שמן שהיה מונח בחותמו של כהן

גדול, ולא היה בו אלא להדליק יום אחד, נעשה בו נס גדול, ולא היה בו אלא להדליק יום אחד, נעשה בו נס והדליקו ממנו שמונה ימים. לשנה אחרת קבעום והדליקו ממנו שמונה ימים. לשנה אחרת קבעום

ועשאום ימים טובים בהלל והודאה.ועשאום ימים טובים בהלל והודאה.

► What is [the reason of] Hanukkah? For our Rabbis What is [the reason of] Hanukkah? For our Rabbis taught: On the twenty-fifth of Kislev [commence] taught: On the twenty-fifth of Kislev [commence] the days of Hanukkah, which are eight on which a the days of Hanukkah, which are eight on which a lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein, and when the defiled all the oils therein, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they made search and found only one cruse them, they made search and found only one cruse of oil which lay with the seal of the High Priest, but of oil which lay with the seal of the High Priest, but which contained sufficient for one day's lighting which contained sufficient for one day's lighting only; yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit only; yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit [the lamp] therewith for eight days. The following [the lamp] therewith for eight days. The following year these [days] were appointed a Festival with year these [days] were appointed a Festival with [the recital of] Hallel and thanksgiving[the recital of] Hallel and thanksgiving..

Eight Metal SpitsEight Metal Spits

פסיקתא רבתי )איש שלום( פרשה ב ד"ה ילמדנו פסיקתא רבתי )איש שלום( פרשה ב ד"ה ילמדנו ►רבינו נררבינו נר

ולמה מדליק נרות בחנוכה אלא בשעה שנצחו ולמה מדליק נרות בחנוכה אלא בשעה שנצחו ►בניו של חשמונאי הכהן הגדול למלכות יון בניו של חשמונאי הכהן הגדול למלכות יון

שנאמר ועוררת בניך ציון על בניך יון )זכריה ט' שנאמר ועוררת בניך ציון על בניך יון )זכריה ט' י"ג( נכנסו לבית המקדש מצאו שם שמונה י"ג( נכנסו לבית המקדש מצאו שם שמונה

שפודין של ברזל וקבעו אותם והדליקו בתוכם שפודין של ברזל וקבעו אותם והדליקו בתוכם נרות,נרות,

► II Maccabees 2:12 - Solomon also II Maccabees 2:12 - Solomon also celebrated the feast in the same way celebrated the feast in the same way for eight days. for eight days.

Like SukkothLike SukkothII Maccabees 10II Maccabees 10Now Maccabeus and his followers, the Lord leading them on, recovered Now Maccabeus and his followers, the Lord leading them on, recovered the temple and the city; 2. they tore down the altars that had been built the temple and the city; 2. they tore down the altars that had been built in the public square by the foreigners, and also destroyed the sacred in the public square by the foreigners, and also destroyed the sacred precincts. 3. They purified the sanctuary, and made another altar of precincts. 3. They purified the sanctuary, and made another altar of sacrifice; then, striking fire out of flint, they offered sacrifices, after a sacrifice; then, striking fire out of flint, they offered sacrifices, after a lapse of two years, and they offered incense and lighted lamps and set lapse of two years, and they offered incense and lighted lamps and set out the bread of the Presence. out the bread of the Presence. 4. When they had done this, they fell prostrate and implored the Lord 4. When they had done this, they fell prostrate and implored the Lord that they might never again fall into such misfortunes, but that, if they that they might never again fall into such misfortunes, but that, if they should ever sin, they might be disciplined by him with forbearance and should ever sin, they might be disciplined by him with forbearance and not be handed over to blasphemous and barbarous nations. 5. It not be handed over to blasphemous and barbarous nations. 5. It happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Chislev. that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Chislev. 6. They celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the 6. They celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the festival of booths, remembering how not long before, during the festival festival of booths, remembering how not long before, during the festival of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. 7. Therefore, carrying ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful animals. 7. Therefore, carrying ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. 8. him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. 8. They decreed by public edict, ratified by vote, that the whole nation of They decreed by public edict, ratified by vote, that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year.  9. Such then was the the Jews should observe these days every year.  9. Such then was the end of Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes. end of Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes.

בבלי שבת כא ע"בבבלי שבת כא ע"ב

► Our Rabbis taught: The precept of Hanukkah [demands] Our Rabbis taught: The precept of Hanukkah [demands] one light for a man and his household; the zealous one light for a man and his household; the zealous [kindle] a light for each member [of the household]; [kindle] a light for each member [of the household]; and the extremely zealous, — Beth Shammai maintain: and the extremely zealous, — Beth Shammai maintain: On the first day eight lights are lit and thereafter they On the first day eight lights are lit and thereafter they are gradually reduced, but Beth Hillel say: On the first are gradually reduced, but Beth Hillel say: On the first day one is lit and thereafter they are progressively day one is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased. ‘Ulla said: In the West [Palestine] two increased. ‘Ulla said: In the West [Palestine] two amoraim, R. Jose b. Abin and R. Jose b. Zebida, differ amoraim, R. Jose b. Abin and R. Jose b. Zebida, differ therein: one maintains, The reason of Beth Shammai is therein: one maintains, The reason of Beth Shammai is that it shall correspond to the days still to come, and that it shall correspond to the days still to come, and that of Beth Hillel is that it shall correspond to the days that of Beth Hillel is that it shall correspond to the days that are gone; but another maintains: Beth Shammai's that are gone; but another maintains: Beth Shammai's reason is that it shall correspond to the bullocks of the reason is that it shall correspond to the bullocks of the Festival; whilst Beth Hillel's reason is that we promote Festival; whilst Beth Hillel's reason is that we promote in [matters of] sanctity but do not reduce.in [matters of] sanctity but do not reduce.

2 Maccabees 6:72 Maccabees 6:7

►On the monthly celebration of the On the monthly celebration of the king’s birthday, the Jews were taken, king’s birthday, the Jews were taken, under bitter constraint, to partake of under bitter constraint, to partake of the sacrifices; and when a festival of the sacrifices; and when a festival of Dionysus was celebrated, they were Dionysus was celebrated, they were compelled to wear wreaths of ivy and compelled to wear wreaths of ivy and to walk in the procession in honor to walk in the procession in honor Dionysus.Dionysus.

TeetotumTeetotum

► The original medieval dice used in Germany by The original medieval dice used in Germany by gamblers was inscribed with the four letters: gamblers was inscribed with the four letters: N, G, N, G, H,H, and and S, S, which are the initials:which are the initials:

Nichts Nichts (“nothing”), (“nothing”), Ganz Ganz (“all”), (“all”), Halb Halb (“half”), and (“half”), and Stellein Stellein (“put in”). (“put in”).

– – Encyclopedia Judaica “Folklore”Encyclopedia Judaica “Folklore”

KedushefyKedushefy

►Winter Solstice becomes religious day Winter Solstice becomes religious day of hope and trust in Hashem.of hope and trust in Hashem.

►Celebration of lights becomes symbol Celebration of lights becomes symbol of Hashem’s providence even in times of Hashem’s providence even in times of darkness.of darkness.

► Ivy bands for Dionysis become part of Ivy bands for Dionysis become part of rededication celebration.rededication celebration.

►European gambling game becomes European gambling game becomes symbol of perseverance.symbol of perseverance.

Antiochus IV EpiphanesAntiochus IV Epiphanes

From the From the Hasmoneans to Hasmoneans to Roman RevoltRoman Revolt

  1. 1. MattathiasMattathiasben ben

JohananJohanan[ ? - 165 BCE][ ? - 165 BCE]

      Hasmonean Hasmonean

DynastyDynasty   

________ __ ______________________________ __ __________|__________________|________ __ ________________________________ __ ____________

||    ||    ||    ||    ||

JohananJohananGaddiGaddi    4. 4. SimonSimonThassiThassi

[ruled 142-134 BCE][ruled 142-134 BCE]    2. 2. JudahJudahMaccabeeMaccabee[ ? - 160 BCE][ ? - 160 BCE]    EleazarEleazar

AvaronAvaron   3. 3. JonathanJonathan

ApphusApphus[ruled 160-142 [ruled 160-142

BCE]BCE]

________ __ ________|______________|______ __ ____________________            

||    ||    ||            MattathiasMattathias

[ ?-134 BCE][ ?-134 BCE]    JudahJudah[ ?- 134 BCE][ ?- 134 BCE]    5. 5. JohananJohananHyrcanusHyrcanus

[ruled 134-104 BCE][ruled 134-104 BCE]            

      ________________ __ __________|__________________|________ __ ________________      

      ||    ||    ||      

     6. 6. AristobulusAristobulus I I

(Judah)(Judah)[ruled 104-103 BCE][ruled 104-103 BCE]

  AntigonusAntigonus

(Matthew)(Matthew)[ ? - 104 BCE][ ? - 104 BCE]

  7. 7. Alexander Alexander JannaiJannai

(Jonathan)(Jonathan)[ruled 103-76 BCE][ruled 103-76 BCE]

==

8. 8. SalomeAleSalomeAlexandraxandra

[ruled 76-67 [ruled 76-67 BCE]BCE]

            ____________________ __ ________|________|      

            ||    ||      

           10.10. HyrcanusHyrcanus II II

(Jonathan)(Jonathan)[ruled 63-40 (d. 30) BCE][ruled 63-40 (d. 30) BCE]

  9. 9. AristobulusAristobulus II II

(Judah)(Judah)[ruled 67-63 (d. 49) BCE][ruled 67-63 (d. 49) BCE]

     

            ||  |_______|_______

||________

||

            AlexandraAlexandra[ ? - 28 BCE][ ? - 28 BCE] == AlexanderAlexander

[ ? - 49 BCE][ ? - 49 BCE]   11. 11. AntigonusAntigonus

(Matthe)(Matthe)[ruled 40-37 [ruled 40-37

BCE]BCE]

            ____________________ ||      

            Aristobulus IIIAristobulus III[ ? - 35 BCE][ ? - 35 BCE] ||     MariamneMariamne

[ ? - 29 BCE][ ? - 29 BCE] ==12.12.

Herod(th Herod(the Greate Great

))[ruled 38-4 BCE][ruled 38-4 BCE]

                  ________________ || __________

                  ||    ||

                  AristobulusAristobulus IV IV[ ca 31 - 7 BCE][ ca 31 - 7 BCE]    AlexanderAlexander

[ ca 30 - 7 BCE][ ca 30 - 7 BCE]

Elephant fell on him

Judah the MaccabeeJudah the Maccabee

► 167-160 BCE167-160 BCE► Led the revolt Led the revolt

against the against the SeleucidsSeleucids

► Purified the Temple Purified the Temple in 164 BCEin 164 BCE

JonathanJonathan

► Ruler 161-143 BCERuler 161-143 BCE► Brother of JudahBrother of Judah► first Hasmonean to first Hasmonean to

be High Priest in be High Priest in 153 BCE153 BCE

SimonSimon

► Ethnarch and High PriestEthnarch and High Priest► 142-135 BCE142-135 BCE► Is granted tax Is granted tax

exemption from exemption from Demetrius IIDemetrius II

► Removes Seleucid Removes Seleucid garrison in Jerusalemgarrison in Jerusalem

► Gains total political Gains total political independenceindependence

► Murdered by his son-in-Murdered by his son-in-law together with two law together with two older sonsolder sons

John HyrcanusJohn Hyrcanus

► Ethnarch and High Ethnarch and High PriestPriest

► Son of SimonSon of Simon► 134-104 BCE134-104 BCE► Forced the Idumeans Forced the Idumeans

to convert (including to convert (including Antipater’s father, Antipater’s father, grandfather of Herod)grandfather of Herod)

► Destroys Samaritan Destroys Samaritan Temple in 128BCETemple in 128BCE

► Coin of John Hyrcanus (135-104 BCE)Coin of John Hyrcanus (135-104 BCE)יהונתן הכהן הגדול וחבר היהודיםיהונתן הכהן הגדול וחבר היהודים►

כתב עבריכתב עבריPaleo-HebrewPaleo-Hebrew

Double Perutah coin of John Hyrcanus. Double Perutah coin of John Hyrcanus. Pair of cornucopiae and a crested helmet. Pair of cornucopiae and a crested helmet. Reads: “Yehochanan the High Priest and Reads: “Yehochanan the High Priest and Leader of the Community of the Jews.”Leader of the Community of the Jews.”

Judah Aristobulus IJudah Aristobulus I

► King and High PriestKing and High Priest► 104-103BCE104-103BCE► Son of John Son of John

HyrcanusHyrcanus► First to call himself First to call himself

kingking► Imprisons mother Imprisons mother

and three brothers. and three brothers. Kills another brother.Kills another brother.

► Married to Salome Married to Salome AlexandraAlexandra

► Coin of Judah AristobulusCoin of Judah Aristobulusיהודה הכהן הגדול וחבר היהודיםיהודה הכהן הגדול וחבר היהודים►

Alexander YannaiAlexander Yannai► King and High PriestKing and High Priest► 103-76 BCE103-76 BCE► Son of Johan HyrcanusSon of Johan Hyrcanus► Married Salome Alexandra, Married Salome Alexandra,

his brother’s widowhis brother’s widow► Practiced Sadduecean law Practiced Sadduecean law

and was pelted by and was pelted by Etrogim. Kills 6,000 Jews in Etrogim. Kills 6,000 Jews in retaliations.retaliations.

► Killed 50,000 in civil war.Killed 50,000 in civil war.► Crucified 800 PhariseesCrucified 800 Pharisees► Advises his wife before Advises his wife before

dying to yield to the dying to yield to the Pharisees!Pharisees!

Alexander YannaiAlexander Yannai"יהונתן הכהן הגדול וחבר "יהונתן הכהן הגדול וחבר

היהודים"היהודים"

► Sun wheel, “Sun wheel, “יהונתן המלךיהונתן המלך““► Anchor, “King Alexander” in GreekAnchor, “King Alexander” in Greek

► Flower and Anchor Flower and Anchor with “King Yannai”with “King Yannai”

► Restamped with Restamped with “Yonatan the High “Yonatan the High Priest and the Priest and the Community of the Community of the Jews”Jews”

► Went back to Went back to original typeoriginal type

Salome Alexandra & SonsSalome Alexandra & Sons

►Salome is queen of Judea 76-67 BCESalome is queen of Judea 76-67 BCE►Her two sons Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus Her two sons Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus

II fight over the crown. Both appeal for II fight over the crown. Both appeal for help from the Romans.help from the Romans.

►Pompey imprisons Aristobulus II and Pompey imprisons Aristobulus II and makes Hyrcanus II high priest in 63BCE.makes Hyrcanus II high priest in 63BCE.

►Hyrcanus serves 63-40BCEHyrcanus serves 63-40BCE►Antignos serves 40-37BCEAntignos serves 40-37BCE►Herod marries Mariamne, granddaughter Herod marries Mariamne, granddaughter

of Hyrcanus and Aristobulus.of Hyrcanus and Aristobulus.

HasmoneanHasmonean Conquests Conquests

  1. Mattathias1. Mattathias

ben Johananben Johanan[ ? - 165 BCE][ ? - 165 BCE]

          Hasmonean Hasmonean

DynasyDynasy

________ __ ______________________________ __ __________|__________________|________ __ ________________________________ __ ____________

||    ||    ||    ||    ||

JohananJohananGaddiGaddi   

4. Simon4. SimonThassiThassi

[ruled 142-134 BCE][ruled 142-134 BCE]  

2. Judah2. JudahMaccabeeMaccabee

[ ? - 160 BCE][ ? - 160 BCE]   EleazarEleazar

AvaronAvaron   3. Jonathan3. Jonathan

ApphusApphus[ruled 160-142 [ruled 160-142

BCE]BCE]

________ __ ________|______________|______ __ ____________________            

MattathiasMattathias[ ?-134 BCE][ ?-134 BCE]    JudahJudah

[ ?- 134 BCE][ ?- 134 BCE]   5. Johanan5. Johanan

HyrcanusHyrcanus[ruled 134-104 BCE][ruled 134-104 BCE]

           

      ________________ __ __________|__________________|________ __ ________________      

      ||    ||    ||      

     6. Aristobulus I6. Aristobulus I

(Judah)(Judah)[ruled 104-103 BCE][ruled 104-103 BCE]

  AntigonusAntigonus

(Matthew)(Matthew)[ ? - 104 BCE][ ? - 104 BCE]

  7. Alexander Jannai7. Alexander Jannai

(Jonathan)(Jonathan)[ruled 103-76 BCE][ruled 103-76 BCE]

==8. Salome8. Salome

AlexandraAlexandra[ruled 76-67 BCE][ruled 76-67 BCE]

            ____________________ __ ________|________|      

            ||    ||      

           10. Hyrcanus II10. Hyrcanus II

(Jonathan)(Jonathan)[ruled 63-40 (d. 30) BCE][ruled 63-40 (d. 30) BCE]

  9. 9. AristobulusAristobulus II II

(Judah)(Judah)[ruled 67-63 (d. 49) BCE][ruled 67-63 (d. 49) BCE]

     

            ||  |_______|_______

||________

||

            AlexandraAlexandra[ ? - 28 BCE][ ? - 28 BCE] == AlexanderAlexander

[ ? - 49 BCE][ ? - 49 BCE]   11. 11. AntigonusAntigonus

(Matityah(Matityahu)u)

[ruled 40-37 BCE][ruled 40-37 BCE]

            ____________________ ||      

            Aristobulus IIIAristobulus III[ ? - 35 BCE][ ? - 35 BCE] ||     MariamneMariamne

[ ? - 29 BCE][ ? - 29 BCE] ==12.12.

Herod(the Herod(the GreatGreat

))[ruled 38-4 BCE][ruled 38-4 BCE]

                  ________________ || __________

                  ||    ||

                  AristobulusAristobulus IV IV[ ca 31 - 7 BCE][ ca 31 - 7 BCE]    AlexanderAlexander

[ ca 30 - 7 BCE][ ca 30 - 7 BCE]

► Coin of Mattathias Coin of Mattathias Antigonus (40-Antigonus (40-37BCE) with 37BCE) with Menorah and Menorah and ShulhanShulhan

PompeyPompey

Pompey Enters the Holy of Pompey Enters the Holy of HoliesHolies

►The first Roman to subdue the Jews The first Roman to subdue the Jews and set foot into their Temple by right and set foot into their Temple by right of conquest was Gnaeus Pompey: of conquest was Gnaeus Pompey: thereafter it was a matter of common thereafter it was a matter of common knowledge that there were no knowledge that there were no representations of the gods within, but representations of the gods within, but that the place was empty and the that the place was empty and the secret shrine contained nothing.secret shrine contained nothing.

Tacitus HistoriesTacitus Histories 5.11-12 5.11-12