The Story of Chanukah

Description

Sacks’s narrative begins with the upheaval in Judea after Alexander the Great’s dominion dissolved and the Seleucid empire tightened control over the region. He charts how Antiochus IV forbade Jewish religious practice, profaned the Temple, and ignited fierce resistance among the people. Sacks portrays the heroic defiance of Mattathias and his sons as they rallied Jews to flee to the mountains, fight for religious freedom, and ultimately secure a momentous victory against far larger Syrian forces.

After the military triumph, Sacks describes how the Jews cleansed and purified the Temple in Jerusalem, renewing the altar and ancient rites. When they found only a small jar of consecrated oil—just enough to light the menorah for one day—its light endured for eight days, which the community understood as divine favor and miraculous blessing. Sacks explains that this event became the foundation for the annual eight-day festival of Chanukah, marked by candle-lighting, thanksgiving, and joyful celebration.