Chanukah
He (the high priest Jason) immediately started to convert his countrymen
(Jews) to the Greek way of life…He set up the gymnasium right in the Temple
citadel…the passion for adopting Greek customs rose to such heights that the
priests would neglect their Temple service and abandon the sacrifices in favor
of unlawful exercises…(like) discus throwing.
II Maccabees
4:7
They (the Maccabees)
offered a sacrifice for the first time in two whole years, restored the
incense, the lights…the sanctuary was purified on the 25th of
Kislev…This joyf8l celebration lasted for eight days. It was like Sukkot for they recalled how only
a short time before they had kept that festival while living like animals in
the mountains, and so they carried lulavim and etrogim…a measure was passed by the public assembly that
the entire Jewish people should observe these days every year…
II Maccabees
10:1-8
In the first month of the year 152
(160 BCE), Judas had established his camp at Alasa…Aware
that his army had melted away and the campaign was going against him, Judas was
greatly disheartened…he said to those who were left, “Let us take the offensive
and see if we can defeat the enemy…Heaven forbid that I should do such a thing
as run away. If our time has come, let
us die bravely for our fellow countrymen, and leave no stain on our honor…The
fighting became very heavy, and many fell on both sides. Judas was among the fallen, the rest of the
Jews fled…
I Maccabees
9:3 – 20
The precept of light on Chanukah
requires that one light be kindled in each house. The zealous add a light for each person. The extremely zealous add a light for each
person each night…According to Beit Shammai: On the
first day, eight lights should be kindled, thereafter
they should be progressively reduced. Beit Hillel held
that on the first n ight one light should be
kindled. Thereafter they should be
progressively increased.
Shabbat 21b
If one has only enough money for
either oil to light the Shabbat candles or oil to kindle the Chanukah lamp, one
should kindle the Shabbat candles because it brings peace into a
household. However, if one must choose
between wine for Kiddush and oil for the Chanukah lamp, one should kindle the
Chanukah lamp because it is more important to proclaim the miracle.
Shabbat 23b
There are those that say that even
if one lights within the house (so that no one else can lights), If he lives in
a place where no Jews live, he lights saying the blessings.
Orach Chayim
(Laws of Chanukah 677:2
“We brought animal sacrifices and
fine flour. We kindled lamps…and now we ask
you to celebrate Sukkot in the month of Kislev.
Aruch Hashulchon
on Orach Chayim 68:3