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FEAST OF DEDICATION (A.K.A. HANNUKKAH, OR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS)
Chislev 25 - Tebeth 2, 5772 | December 21 - 28, 2011
John 10:22-23
"And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication, and it was winter. And Yeshua walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." John 10:22-23
The Feast of the Dedication, or Hannukkah, is the celebration of the victory of the Maccabees, a clan of patriotic Jews who led a revolt (c. 168-142 BCE*) against the oppressive rule of Antiochus IV who defiled their temple, sacrificed swine, and ordered pagan worship. As the Maccabees recovered the temple, the eternal flame was lit as a symbol of their victory. But there was holy oil enough for only one night. It would take eight days to obtain more. Miraculaously, the flame burned the entire eight days on the one night supply. When we light the Menorah, we remember this great victory.
The history of the Maccabees is recorded in the Apocrypha, but the only mention of the Feast of the Dedication in the Bible is John 10:22 (as referenced above). Thus, Hannukkah is not a commanded Holy Feast. Some, however, casually observe it as a remembrance of God's providence, much as they do Esther's Purim in Adar. It is rather fun!
*BCE: Before Common Era
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