The Mighty Maccabees: The Brave Jewish Warriors Who Defied the odds

The story of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a story of triumph and religious freedom. The Jewish people were ruled by the Syrian-Greek empire, which sought to suppress their religious practices and force them to adopt Greek customs and beliefs.

One group of Jews, the Maccabees, led a revolt against the Syrian-Greek empire and were able to reclaim the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they went to rededicate the temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah (candelabra) for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, allowing the Jews time to prepare more oil for the menorah.

The Maccabees were a group of Jewish rebels who fought against the Syrian-Greek empire in the 2nd century BCE. They were led by a priest named Mattathias, and his five sons, including Judas Maccabeus, who became the group's military leader.

The Maccabees' revolt began as a response to the oppressive policies of the Syrian-Greek empire, which sought to force the Jewish people to abandon their religious practices and traditions. The Maccabees were able to defeat the Syrian-Greek army and reclaim the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The victory of the Maccabees is celebrated during the holiday of Chanukah, which commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when the temple was rededicated. The Maccabees are seen as heroes who fought for religious freedom and the right to practice their faith.

The Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a Hasidic Jewish group, sees the story of the Maccabees and the holiday of Chanukah as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and fighting against oppression.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, taught that the Maccabees serve as an example of courage and determination in the face of adversity. He emphasized the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even when it is difficult or unpopular, and of fighting against injustice and oppression.

The Rebbe also taught that the miracle of the oil burning for eight days represents the power of faith and trust in G-d. The Maccabees had faith that G-d would help them, and their trust was rewarded with the miraculous burning of the oil. The Rebbe encouraged his followers to have faith and trust in G-d, even in the face of difficult challenges.

Have a Happy and Joyous Chanukah, Rabbi Eli Wajsbort