Judah the Maccabee: A Chanukah Hero

1. In 161 BCE, Judah the Maccabee was born in Modi'in, in the Judean Hills. He was the third of Matityahu the Hasmonean's five sons during the era of the Second Temple.

2. At the time, Antiochus IV sought to forcibly impose Greek culture on the Jewish people, banning the study of Torah, the observance of Shabbat, and the practice of circumcision.

The Hasmonean Revolt

3. Matityahu the Hasmonean decides to raise the banner of revolt. Yet, a year later, before his passing, he transfers leadership to his son, Judah. The symbol of the revolt: 'Who is like You among the mighty, O Hashem' - acronym: 'Maccabee'.

4. Under Judah's command, the Maccabees engage the Greeks through ambushes. In one such ambush, they surprise and destroy the army of Apollonius.

5. Consequently, Antiochus sends General Seron. His army is twice the size of Apollonius', causing the Maccabees to fear.

6. Judah encourages the Maccabees, saying, 'They trust in their numbers and in their strength to destroy us, but we will fight for our lives and our Torah. Do not fear them, for Hashem will destroy them before our eyes.'

7. The Maccabees surprise Seron's army as well, ambushing them near Beit Horon and achieving victory. General Seron dies at the hands of Judah.

8. At the Battle of Emmaus, near Latrun, the Maccabees fight against the mighty army of Gorgias. The Maccabees simulate a retreat, reaching Gorgias' base by surprise.

9. Judah encourages the Maccabees again: 'Remember our ancestors whom Hashem saved at the Red Sea as Pharaoh pursued them with chariots and horsemen. Let us rise and cry out to Hashem, our God, to grant us grace and mercy, to remember His covenant, and to destroy this army before our eyes.'

10. The Maccabees prevail in this battle as well, inspiring more Jews to join and follow Judah's leadership. They proceed to liberate Jerusalem, purify the Temple, witness the miracle of the oil flask, and establish the celebration of Chanukah.

Chanukah is celebrated for eight days annually, starting on the 25th of Kislev - around late December. Instituted by the Hasmoneans, it commemorates the miraculous victory over the mighty Greeks and the phenomena of the oil that lasted eight days.

During the holiday, people light Chanukah candles and recite special prayers of praise and thanksgiving, adding parts to the morning prayers and blessings of 'Al Hanissim' during grace after meals and the Amidah, the eighteen blessings.

Chanukah and Purim are the only two rabbinic holidays, alluded to in the Tanakh. Unlike Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, which have direct Biblical commandment.