History of Hanukkah

Hanukkah refers to a second century (165 B.C.E.) conflict when Palestine was caught between two great Hellenistic powers: Egypt and Syria. This conflict divided the empire of Alexander the Great. Under Syrian power, there was a campaign to establish political and religious conformity by “Hellenizing” the Jews, forcing them to adopt Greek dress and customs. Even more serious, the Syrian emperor decreed that the Temple in Jerusalem, the national house of worship, would become a temple to the Greek god, Zeus.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
A small band of soldiers led by Judah Maccabee staged a successful rebellion against the Syrians and rededicated the Temple. Hanukkah celebrates the restoration of religious freedom and the preservation of Jewish customs and the traditional Jewish worship service.
The “Festival of Lights” refers to the legend of a miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Temple. When the Jews sought to rekindle the menorah in the Temple sanctuary, they found only enough purified oil to last one day, yet miraculously, the small portion of oil burned for eight days—the length of time required to purify new oil.
You may also like
See more-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Baby Gifts for New Parents: Thoughtful Things to Give and Do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and da...
-
Kwanzaa What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Christmas What is Three Kings Day?
Each January 6th, Latinx families around the world celebrate Three Kings Day— Día de los Tres Reyes Magos...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
When it comes to signing birthday cards...
-
Father's Day 10 homemade Father's Day gifts
Dads like useful things. If you already know this, it’s probably because this isn’t your first Dad Rodeo (that’s w...
-
Mother's Day Free Printable Mother’s Day Coloring Pages
Show Mom, Grandma and Nana how much they mean with printable coloring pages you can decorate just for them. We hav...
-
Wedding What to write in a wedding card
Imagine yourself in the parking lot walking in to your friend’s wedding reception—pen in hand, neck...
-
Christmas Color up some Christmas fun
Listening to Christmas carols, sipping eggnog, hanging out with family and friends—col...
-
Halloween Color up some Halloween fun
Jumpstart your Halloween with our 10 free coloring pages for kids and adults. Just print out any of the 10 designs...
-
Valentine's Day Play with your food: Valentine's Day treats
All you need is love (and a few simple ingredients) to make our seven fun and easy Valentine treats.
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Christmas 25+ Things People Who Love Christmas Know
Does your heart skip a beat when you hear the first Christmas song on the radio? Does your Advent calendar start i...
-
Christmas 15 Easy DIY Ways to Add a Personal Touch to Christmas Gifts
When you have a long Christmas gift list, BOGO deals and promotions are absolute lifesavers. Fill up your basket w...
-
Father's Day Dad-approved Father's Day Ideas
Since 1966, when President Johnson signed a proclamation setting aside the third Sunday in June to honor American ...
-
Summer Sizzling summer party food
Does summer have you in a picnic state of mind? Eating outside is as simple as throwing open the ba...