In Hebrew, Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ or ‘consecration’. During the 2nd century BCE, the Greek rulers of Antiochus had attempted to dissuade Jews away from Judaism and its traditions. The ain was to better integrate them into Greek culture. As part of these efforts, certain aspects of Jewish observance were outlawed, such as the study of Torah.

While the attempts had proved successful, a band of Jews rebelled and openly revolted against the changes to their way of life. This small band of rebels waged a campaign of guerrilla warfare against the Syrians. Antiochus sent thousands of soldiers to quell the rebellion, but the Maccabees managed to drive the Syrians from the land. In December, 164 BCE Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem. They found the Holy Temple in ruins and had been desecrated by the foreign troops.

Hanukkah is the only Jewish holiday not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. The events occurred after it was written. The holiday is mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, which sees Jesus attend what is referred to as a “Feast of Dedication.”