Judah Maccabee Purifies the Temple

164 BCE

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After three years of battle, the Jews were able to retake Jerusalem, except for the Acra fortification. Reaching Temple Mount, they found the Temple disgraced and converted into a pagan sanctuary, riddled with idols, and the altar defiled with pig's blood.Judah purified and rededicated the Temple on the 25th of Kislev, 164 BCE, and established the Festival of Hanukkah, the Hebrew word meaning "dedication".

Josephus, Antiquities 12.7.6-7“ And so Judah and his fellow citizens celebrated the festival of the restoration of the sacrifices of the Temple for eight days, …they made it a law for their posterity, that they should keep a festival on account of the restoration of their Temple worship for eight days. And from that time to this we celebrate this festival, and call it Lights."As referred to by Josephus the festival of Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.

The Talmud (Shabbat 21b) sheds light on the reason: "And when the royal Hasmonean House gained the upper hand and vanquished [the Greeks], they searched and found only one flask of oil.... with the High Priest's seal, and it contained only oil to burn for one day. A miracle occurred and it burned for eight days. The priests used the vial with pure oil to light the candles of the menorah.

Hasmonean Oil Lamp from the Time of the Maccabees
Collection of George Blumenthal
Ardon Bar-Hama

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In 166 BCE, Mattathias died in battle. His eldest son, Judas, “The Hammer,” (Judah Maccabee) purified and rededicated the Temple, establishing the Festival of Hanukkah on the 25th Day of Kislev, 164 BCE. The word “Hanukkah” derives from the Hebrew word meaning “to dedicate.”

Josephus, Antiquities 12.7.6-7

“...Judah Maccabee assembled the people and told them that after the many victories which God had given them, they ought to go up to Jerusalem and purify the Temple and offer the appointed sacrifices.

And so, Judah and his fellow citizens celebrated the festival of the restoration of the sacrifices of the Temple for eight days, …they made it a law for their posterity, that they should keep a festival on account of the restoration of their Temple worship for eight days. And from that time to this we celebrate this festival and call it Lights."