In 164 B.C.E., Judah Maccabee defeats the Seleucid army and purifies the Temple. The fighting continues, and Judah is killed in 160 B.C.E. Only in 142 B.C.E. do the Seleucids finally make peace with Simon, Judah’s last surviving brother, who founds the Hasmonean dynasty of high priests that rule Judea for a century. Who established Chanukah as a holiday?
Dr. Rabbi
Zev Farber
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1 and 2 Maccabees have different understandings of why the Maccabean revolt succeeded. 1 Maccabees emphasizes the zealous killing of sinners as the element that wins God's favor, while 2 Maccabees emphasizes the tragic death of righteous Jewish martyrs as bringing about God's mercy and compassion.
Prof.
Katell Berthelot
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The historical events surrounding the holiday, Yom Nicanor, and why we should consider marking the day in our generation.
Dr. Rabbi
Zev Farber
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Why did Judah Maccabee establish the holiday? What were the religious and political factors that inspired the Maccabees to promote it throughout Judea and the diaspora?
Prof.
Eyal Regev
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