What is Hanukkah?
The Talmud tells us that beginning with the 25th of Kislev, eight
days of Hanukkah are observed, during which no eulogies are delivered,
nor is fasting permitted. For when the Greeks entered the Sanctuary,
they defiled all the oils, and when the Hasmoneans (the Maccabees)
defeated them, they searched and found only one remaining jar
of oil with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (the High Priest). Although
it contained only enough oil to burn for one day, a miracle occurred,
and the oil burned eight days. A year later the Rabbis designated
these days as Yomim Tovim (Holidays) on which praise and thanksgiving
were to be said. (Tractate Shabbat 21)
The Greek's Harsh Decrees:
During the Second Temple period, the Greek kings outlawed the
Jewish religion, forbade them to engage in the study of Torah
and the practice of mitzvot, and ravaged and defiled all that
had been ritually pure. The Hasmoneans were finally able to subdue
the enemy, whereby they designated a king to rule over Israel
which lasted for more than 200 years. The Sages of that generation
therefore decreed, that the eight days beginning with the 25th
of Kislev should be days of rejoicing; that Hallel (praise) be
recited and that lights be lit in the entrance to their homes
each of the eight nights, in order to publicize the miracle. These
days were called Hanukkah, that is to say Chanu Kaf-Hay (they
rested on the 25th), for on the 25th, they rested from their enemies.
The above expression of the Talmud: "They made it a Yom Tov for
praise and thanksgiving" refers to the literal recitation of Hallel
(praise) and therefore, the complete Hallel is said during schararit
(morning prayers) all eight days of Hanukkah. The term "thanksgiving"
refers to al hanisim, which is included in each shmoneh esreh
(silent meditation, amidah) during these days as well, as well
as in birkat hamazon (grace after meals).
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