Hanukah - 5784

Rabbi Zeira said that Rav Mattana said, and others say that Rabbi Zeira said that Rav said: The wicks and oils with which the Sages said one may not light on Shabbat, one may, nevertheless, light with them on Hanukkah, both during the week and on Shabbat. Rabbi Yirmeya said: What is Rav’s reason? He holds that if it is extinguished, one is not bound to attend to it and relight it, and it is prohibited to use its light. Therefore, even on Shabbat, there is no concern lest he come to adjust the wick, as it is prohibited to utilize its light.

With regard to the opinion that one need not rekindle the Hanukkah light if it is extinguished, the Gemara asks: And is it true that if the Hanukkah light is extinguished one is not bound to attend to it? The Gemara raises a contradiction from that which was taught in a baraita: The mitzva of kindling the Hanukkah lights is from sunset until traffic in the marketplace ceases. Does that not mean that if the light is extinguished, he must rekindle it so that it will remain lit for the duration of that period? The Gemara answers: No, the baraita can be understood otherwise: That if one did not yet light at sunset, he may still light the Hanukkah lights until traffic ceases. Alternatively, one could say that this is referring to the matter of its measure. One must prepare a wick and oil sufficient to burn for the period lasting from sunset until traffic ceases. If he did so, even if the light is extinguished beforehand, he need not relight it. The expression until traffic in the marketplace ceases is mentioned here, and the Gemara asks: Until when exactly is this time? Rabba bar bar Ḥana said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Until the traffic of the people of Tadmor [tarmoda’ei] ceases. They sold kindling wood and remained in the marketplace later than everyone else. People who discovered at sunset that they had exhausted their wood supply could purchase wood from them.

The Sages taught in a baraita: The basic mitzva of Hanukkah is each day to have a light kindled by a person, the head of the household, for himself and his household. And the mehadrin, i.e., those who are meticulous in the performance of mitzvot, kindle a light for each and every one in the household. And the mehadrin min hamehadrin, who are even more meticulous, adjust the number of lights daily. Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagree as to the nature of that adjustment. Beit Shammai say: On the first day one kindles eight lights and, from there on, gradually decreases the number of lights until, on the last day of Hanukkah, he kindles one light. And Beit Hillel say: On the first day one kindles one light, and from there on, gradually increases the number of lights until, on the last day, he kindles eight lights. Ulla said: There were two amora’im in the West, Eretz Yisrael, who disagreed with regard to this dispute, Rabbi Yosei bar Avin and Rabbi Yosei bar Zevida. One said that the reason for Beit Shammai’s opinion is that the number of lights corresponds to the incoming days, i.e., the future. On the first day, eight days remain in Hanukkah, one kindles eight lights, and on the second day seven days remain, one kindles seven, etc. The reason for Beit Hillel’s opinion is that the number of lights corresponds to the outgoing days. Each day, the number of lights corresponds to the number of the days of Hanukkah that were already observed. And one said that the reason for Beit Shammai’s opinion is that the number of lights corresponds to the bulls of the festival of Sukkot: Thirteen were sacrificed on the first day and each succeeding day one fewer was sacrificed (Numbers 29:12–31). The reason for Beit Hillel’s opinion is that the number of lights is based on the principle: One elevates to a higher level in matters of sanctity and one does not downgrade. Therefore, if the objective is to have the number of lights correspond to the number of days, there is no alternative to increasing their number with the passing of each day.

The Sages taught in a baraita: It is a mitzva to place the Hanukkah lamp at the entrance to one’s house on the outside, so that all can see it. If he lived upstairs, he places it at the window adjacent to the public domain. And in a time of danger, when the gentiles issued decrees to prohibit kindling lights, he places it on the table and that is sufficient to fulfill his obligation. Rava said: One must kindle another light in addition to the Hanukkah lights in order to use its light, as it is prohibited to use the light of the Hanukkah lights. And if there is a bonfire, he need not light an additional light, as he can use the light of the bonfire. However, if he is an important person, who is unaccustomed to using the light of a bonfire, even though there is a bonfire, he must kindle another light. The Gemara asks:

What is Hanukkah, and why are lights kindled on Hanukkah? The Gemara answers: The Sages taught in Megillat Ta’anit: On the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the days of Hanukkah are eight. One may not eulogize on them and one may not fast on them. What is the reason? When the Greeks entered the Sanctuary they defiled all the oils that were in the Sanctuary by touching them. And when the Hasmonean monarchy overcame them and emerged victorious over them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil that was placed with the seal of the High Priest, undisturbed by the Greeks. And there was sufficient oil there to light the candelabrum for only one day. A miracle occurred and they lit the candelabrum from it eight days. The next year the Sages instituted those days and made them holidays with recitation of hallel and special thanksgiving in prayer and blessings.

(6) There were four chambers inside the fire chamber, like sleeping chambers opening into a hall, two in sacred ground and two in non-holy, and there was a row of mosaic stones separating the holy from the non-holy. For what were they used? The one on the southwest was the chamber of sacrificial lambs, The one on the southeast was the chamber of the showbread. In the one to the northeast the Hasmoneans deposited the stones of the altar which the kings of Greece had defiled. Through the one on the northwest they used to go down to the bathing place.

(1) During the period of the second Temple, when the Greek kings were in power, they proclaimed decrees against the Jewish people, abrogating their religion and forbidding them to study the Torah or to perform the divine precepts. They laid their hands on their wealth and their daughters; they entered the Temple and broke through it, defiling the things that were pure. The people of Israel were sorely distressed by their enemies, who oppressed them ruthlessly until the God of our fathers took pity, saved and rescued them from the hands of the tyrants. The Hasmonean great priests won victories, defeating the Syrian Greeks and saving Israel from their power. They set up a king from among the priests and Israel's kingdom was restored for a period of more than two centuries, until the destruction of the second Temple.

(2) When, on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the Jews had emerged victorious over their foes and destroyed them, they re-entered the Temple where they found only one jar of pure oil, enough to be lit for only a single day; yet they used it for lighting the required set of lamps for eight days, until they managed to press olives and produce pure oil.

(3) Because of this, the sages of that generation ruled that the eight days beginning with the twenty-fifth of Kislev should be observed as days of rejoicing and praising the Lord. Lamps are lit in the evening over the doors of the homes, on each of the eight nights, so as to display the miracle. These days are called Hanukkah, when it is forbidden to lament or to fast, just as it is on the days of Purim. Lighting the lamps during the eight days of Hanukkah is a religious duty imposed by the sages, like the reading of the Megillah on Purim.

(12) The precept of lighting the Hanukkah lamp is exceedingly precious, and one should carefully observe it in order to acclaim the miracle, ever praising and thanking God for the miracles which he has performed for us. Even if one has nothing to eat except what he gets from charity, he should borrow, or sell his garment, to buy oil and lamps and light them.

(1) And it came to pass, after the triumph of Alexandros the Makedonian, son

(2) of Philippos, who first reigned in Hellas, who came out of the land of Khettiim, had defeated Dareios king of the Persians and the Medes:

(3) And He fought a lot of battles, and took almost all the strong holds, and slew almost all the kings of the earth,

(4) And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations,

(5) insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.

(6) And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.

(7) And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.

(8) Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.

(9) So Alexander reigned twelve years, and then died.

(10) And his servants bare rule every one in his place. And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves;

(11) so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.

(12) And there came out of them a wicked root, Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome,

(13) and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

(14) In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying,

(15) “Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.”

(16) So this device pleased them well. Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them a license to do after the ordinances of the heathen,

(17) whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen and made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

(18) Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.

(19) Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,

(20) and made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.

(21) Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he took the spoils thereof.

(22) And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,

(23) And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof, And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials, and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled off.

(24) He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.

(25) And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.

(26) Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every place where they were,

(27) so that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.

(28) Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness,

(29) and the land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.

(30) And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,

(31) And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit:

(32) for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.

(33) And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.

(34) But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the cattle.

(35) Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.

(36) And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein. They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there,

(37) and so they became a sore snare: For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.

(38) Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it: Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.

(39) Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.

(40) As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased,

(41) and her excellency was turned into mourning.

(42) Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,

(43) And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.

(44) Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

(45) For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,

(46) And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:

(47) And pollute the sanctuary and holy people: Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine’s flesh, and unclean beasts:

(48) That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation: To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.

(49) And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.

(50) In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.

(51) Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;

(52) And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succour.

(53) Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;

(54) And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets. And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.

(55) And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king’s commandment was, that they should put him to death.

(56) Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.

(57) Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.

(58) At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.

(59) And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.

(60) Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.

(61) Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died

(62) And there was very great wrath upon Israel.

(1) In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.

(2) And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:

(3) Simon; called Thassi: Judas, who was called Maccabeus:

(4) Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.

(5) And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,

(6) He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?

(7) Her temple is become as a man without glory.

(8) Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.

(9) What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of her spoils?

(10) All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is become a bondslave.

(11) And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.

(12) To what end therefore shall we live any longer?

(13) Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.

(14) In the mean while the king’s officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.

(15) And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.

(16) Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise,

(17) Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren: Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king’s commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem:

(18) so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king’s friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.

(19) Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice,

(20) Though all the nations that are under the king’s dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:

(21) Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.

(22) God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.

(23) We will not hearken to the king’s words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.

(24) Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment.

(25) Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment:

(26) wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar. Also the king’s commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.

(27) Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.

(28) And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.

(29) So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.

(30) Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness,

(31) to dwell there: Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.

(32) Now when it was told the king’s servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king’s commandment,

(33) were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness, They pursued after them a great number,

(34) and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day. And they said unto them,

(35) Let that which ye have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and ye shall live.

(36) But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king’s commandment, to profane the sabbath day

(37) So then they gave them the battle with all speed.

(38) Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;

(39) But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.

(40) So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle,

(41) to the number of a thousand people.

(42) Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they mourned for them right sore.

(43) And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.

(44) At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.

(45) Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.

(46) Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto them, and were a stay unto them. So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.

(47) Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled down the altars: And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.

(48) They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in their hand.

(49) So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.

(50) Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons,

(51) Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:

(52) Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.

(53) Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name

(54) Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?

(55) Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt.

(56) Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.

(57) Joshua for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.

(58) Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the heritage of the land.

(59) David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom

(60) Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.

(61) Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the flame.

(62) Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.

(63) And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.

(64) Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.

(65) To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.

(66) Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.

(67) And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.

(68) As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.

(69) Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people

(70) Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.

(71) So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers

(72) And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin,

(73) and all Israel made great lamentation for him.

(1) Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

(2) To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.

(3) Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus, While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

(4) In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us

(5) But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.

(6) And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.

(7) Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.

(8) Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.

(9) Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:

(10) That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.

(11) Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them. Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.

(12) So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.

(13) Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.

(14) This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them, And said to the people,

(15) Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,

(16) And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.

(17) As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:

(18) Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:

(19) When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight, They fled every one into the land of strangers.

(20) Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

(21) After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.

(22) Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

(23) Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:

(24) Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.

(25) The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.

(26) So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura,

(27) and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

(28) And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said,

(29) Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armour bearer;

(30) Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

(31) Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

(32) Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

(33) So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.

(34) Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.

(35) Then said Judas and his brethren,

(36) Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

(37) Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.

(38) And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;

(39) They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,

(40) And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

(41) Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

(42) So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law: Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.

(43) And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;

(44) They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,

(45) And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.

(46) Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;

(47) And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.

(48) They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.

(49) And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.

(50) Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.

(51) Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning, And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.

(52) Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.

(53) Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.

(54) And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

(55) They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.

(56) Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.

(57) Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.

(58) At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.

(59) And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.

(1) ...From The Jews in Jerusalem and in the land of Judah to their Jewish brethren in Egypt, peace and salvation!

(2) God bless you, and remember you his covenant with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.

(3) And give you a whole heart to fear him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.

(4) God will open your hearts to reflect on His Torah and keep His commandments, and will give you a blessing and peace.

(5) If only The Lord will listen to your prayers and be merciful to you, and from hardship He will save your lives.

(6) This is our prayer to You for all time.

(7) In the year 169, the time of the reign of King Demetrius, we wrote to you concerning all the hardship that came upon us, with the betrayal of Yeshua (Jason) and his cohorts in the the holy land, they sinned in the kingdom of Judah.

(8) They set ablaze the gate to the courtyard. They spilled innocent blood in the land.

(9) We prayed to The Lord our God and he headed our voice. We offered sacrifices and fine flour for the Mincha offering. We lit the lamps, and placed the show-bread on the table of The Lord.

(10) We requested of you to celebrate the dedication of the alter with us during the month of Kislev.

(11) It was in the year 188, They returned and they wrote for them these words.

(12) [From the] People of Judah and Jerusalem and the elders, to Aristoblos, ?Secretary?(Meaning of word uncertain) of Ptolemy the king, from the tribe of the anointed priests, and to the Jews of Egypt, Peace and Salvation.

(13) We are blessing The Lord our God who saved our lives from great distress [so that we would be able] to stand before the mighty and awesome king.

(14) For The Lord has removed our enemies from our holy city, He scattered them into the borders of Persia.

(15) And the king with his great and mighty army were killed at the house of Naniah following her priests.

(16) For when Antiochus brought ?an army to gather his vassals?(Meaning of words uncertain) to the house of Naniah, he joked to take her as a wife in order to take her treasure houses as a dowry.

(17) It was as the priests of Naniah brought him to the treasure house, the king and his men went into the inner chamber to see it, the priests closed the doors of the chamber behind them.

(18) They opened a hidden door, and they stoned him and everyone with him with stones and they died.

(19) They cut off their heads, they cut them up into pieces, and they threw them outside.

(20) Thanks and praise to The Lord, for he has cut off the wicked from the land. They are no more.

(21) And now there is in our lives to celebrate the day of the dedication of the alter on the 25th of the month of Kislev. We did not refrain from making it known to you to celebrate it with us.

(22) You will celebrate it like the days of the festival of booths and lighting fire, like the day that on it Nehemiah found the holy fire during his return to build the temple and the alter. He offered on it burnt offerings and sacrifices to God.

(23) For when our forefathers were exiled to Persia, the holy priests secretly took the fire from upon the alter, and they hid it in a deep pit, he dried it (?the pit?) to guard it (?the fire?). No man knew its location.

(24) It was at the end of many days, when The Lord pitched his kindness upon us, and the king sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem.

(25) He took descendants of the priests who hid the fire, and he sent them to search for it

(26) But when it was told to us that they didn't find the fire, rather frozen water beneath it, Nehemiah commanded [them] to draw the water and to bring it.

(27) It was when they were offering the sacrifices of The Lord, he commanded them to throw the water on the wood and on the sacrifice that was on the alter. They did so.

(28) After they finished [pouring the water], the sun came out over the land, and the clouds scattered. Behold a fire of God is consuming the sacrifice! The entire crowd around was awe struck.

(29) The priests and the people fell and they prostrated, until the sacrifice was consumed.

(30) Jonathan prayed to The Lord, and Nehemiah and the people responded after him, they said:

(31) The Lord out God molder and creator of all, Powerful and Awesome, Righteous and Merciful, You alone are out King and our Savior.

(32) The Righteous Lord who opens his wide hand for all life, My God, The God and Master of the world. The One who redeems Israel from all his troubles, You chose our forefathers and You sanctified them for Your service.

(33) Desire now this sacrifice on behalf of Your nation Israel, and guard Your portion and bless it.

(34) Gather the scattered of Your nation and redeem them from the hand of the nations. Open Your eyes and see their shame, for they are the disgust of all mankind. [Do this] In order that the nations will know that You, The Lord, are our God.

(35) Pour You wrath upon the oppressors of Your nation, that with complete desire of their hearts they crushed us to the ground.

(36) Bring us and plant us in the mountain of Your portion, like Moses Your servant said.

(37) When they finished supplicating, the priests sang praise and thanks to The Lord.

(38) It was when the sacrifice was consumed, Nehemiah commanded [them] to spill the remaining water on the floor, a flame burned and the fire from on the alter swallowed it.

(39) It was told to the king of Persia that water was found in the place that the exiled priests hid the fire, and that fire burned a sacrifice that Nehemiah offered. He searched and investigated to see if it was true.

(40) He found that it was true. He sanctified the place and fenced it off, and he gave expensive gifts to all who found favor in his eyes.

(41) Nehemiah called that place Hefter, saying that it is holy. Others called it Nifter.

(1) It was also written in the books, that Jeremiah the prophet commanded the exiles to take the fire and hide it like we said.

(2) [Jeremiah] also gave them the book of the Torah of The Lord so they should not forget it, and they should not be seduced in their hearts to turn from the path, when they see graven images of gold and silver with the pride of their glory.

(3) [Jeremiah] taught them many proven things, so that the Torah of The Lord would not leave their hearts.

(4) This was also written, that [Jeremiah] told them according to the mouth of The Lord, to take with them The Tent of Meeting and The Ark.

(5) It was when they came to the mountain that Moses ascended to see the land, Jeremiah found a cave there and he hid The Tent of Meeting, The Ark, and The Alter of Incense in it, and he closed [the cave's] opening.

(6) Some of the people that went with [Jeremiah] tried to make a sign [at the cave] for themselves, yet they became tired from looking for the cave.

(7) Jeremiah heard [about it] and he rebuked them and said. "No man will know the location [of the cave], until The Lord will gather his nation and grant them mercy.

(8) Then The Lord will reveal the location [of the cave], and the glory of The Lord will shine in a cloud, as it was in the days of Moses and Solomon when they begged The Lord to sanctify ?himself? (unclear pronoun)."

(9) Jeremiah told them about the wisdom of Solomon and about the sacrifices that [Solomon] offered [at] the time of the dedication of the alter, when he finished erecting the temple of The Lord.

(10) When Moses prayed, A fire left from the presence The Lord and consumed the burnt offering that was on the alter. In this manner Solomon's prayer was also answered.

(11) For a fire descended from the heavens and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices.

(12) And when Moses searched [?in the ashes for?] the ram of the sin offering, Behold! it was charred and no man ate of it. So did Solomon when he offered his sacrifices to The Lord [all] eight days.

(13) All these events can be found in The Chronicles that were written in the days of Nehemiah.

(14) When Nehemiah searched for the books of David, the kings, the prophets, and [anything] that had information about the sacrifices, he collected them into a collection.

(15) So did Judah, when he collected the books that were scattered and dispersed in the storm of the war throughout the land.

(16) They are being guarded in our hands, and if you are desiring of them, send to us and they will be sent to you.

(17) Now, we wrote for you all of these things, so that you will celebrate this festival with us according to what is fit for you.

(18) We are hoping of The Lord our God that he will redeem his nation, and return to us our portion, the kingdom, and the service of the priests that was promised in His holy Torah.

(19) So he should be merciful upon us and gather our dispersed from under the heavens, to bring them to our holy land, just like he has begun to remove us from our distant places, and he purified his temple.

(20) And the deeds of Judah Maccabeus, his brothers, the purification of the temple from its impurity, the dedication ceremony of the temple, and the wars against Antiochus the great and his son Aopater.

(21) And the heavenly signs that the strong and zealous saw for the congregation of Israel.

(22) How is it that my tiny battalion chased the massive legions of the nations? They pursued them and they disgraced their land.

(23) And the redemption of our holy city, and the construction of the house whose splendor covers the entire world.

(24) And when The Lord established upon us with kindness his rules and laws that had almost been dissolved throughout the land.

(1) Also a woman and her seven sons were imprisoned in the jail. The king tortured them to [make them] eat pig meat, he beat them with rods and sticks.

(2) The firstborn said to him, what do you ask and what do you request from us? Behold! you will strangulating us rather than turn us from the laws of our forefathers.

(3) The got angry at him, he commanded to place a pan and coals on the fire. They did so.

(4) He commanded to cut his tongue, to flay his skin from upon his flesh, and to cut off his hands and feet in front of his mother and brothers.

(5) It was when his appearance was so destroyed that he no longer looked like a man, [the king] commanded to place him in the coals to roast him alive. It was when the smoke became thick, each of the sons strengthened his brother, and also the mother, to die happily and with a good heart.

(6) They said: Fear of God is upon us he has comforted us with his great kindness, just like Moses the servant of God sang "And on his servants he comfort them" (Deuteronomy 32:36)

(7) The first [son] died and they took the second [son] to make fun of him. After they flayed his skin from upon his flesh, they plucked the hairs of his head, and they asked him saying:

(8) Would you eat pig meat before the rest of you is removed from your bones? He said no. They took him and they tortured him like the first [son].

(9) It was when his life was leaving, he said to the king: Man of blood, Behold our life is in your hand to take it. Therefore our God who is in heaven will awaken his spirit upon us, and bring us to live for ever, because we died for his holy Torah.

(10) They brought the third [son] and they ?insulted? him.

(11) It was when they requested his tongue and they took it out of his mouth, he sent forth his hand and said:

(12) The Lord our God these are the bones that you gave me, and with the goodness of my heart I am giving them for the sake of your holy Torah, and for your salvation I hope for you will surely return me.

(13) The king and his servants were in wonderment over the strength of the lad, and the pains that almost did not exist in his eyes.

(14) It was after he died, they tortured the fourth [son] and they tied him with ?whips?.

(15) When his breath was still in his nostrils he said: Better to trust in The Lord, than to trust in men (Psalms 118:8), for I will wake to an eternal life and you will never wake.

(16) Afterwards they brought the fifth and they tortured him. He saw the face of Antiochus and said:

(17) Behold, the power is in your hand to convict ?as you desire?, but since you are a son of Death, do not think that The Lord has forsaken His nation.

(18) Stand for just a moment and you will see the hand of The Lord, when he will strike you and your house.

(19) They also brought the sixth, and it was before his breath left him to die, he said: Guard yourself lest you lean on words of falsehood.

(20) Behold, all these [terrible] things happened to us because we were wicked to The Lord our God, and He increased his strikes against us.

(21) Just pay attention and listen for it will not escape from The Lord God that you blasphemed [Him].

(22) It is true, who will not be in awe of the mental fortitude of this woman, Is she not fit to be a banner of nations?

(23) Behold, she saw her seven sons slaughtered before her eyes in one day, ?she strengthened her despair upon me with her hope to The Lord.

(1) Before lighting, we bless:

(2) Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe

(3) who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Chanukah candles.

(4) Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe

(5) who made miracles for our ancestors in their days in this season.

(7) On the first night:

(8) Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe

(9) who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

(1) We kindle these lights on account of the miracles, the deliverances and the wonders which thou didst work for our fathers, by means of thy holy priests. During all the eight days of Chanukah these lights are sacred, neither is it permitted us to make any profane use of them; but we are only to look at them, in order that we may give thanks unto thy name for thy miracles, thy deliverances and thy wonders.

(1) On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel. (2) He said to Aaron: “Take a calf of the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and bring them before the LORD. (3) And speak to the Israelites, saying: Take a he-goat for a sin offering; a calf and a lamb, yearlings without blemish, for a burnt offering; (4) and an ox and a ram for an offering of well-being to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meal offering with oil mixed in. For today the LORD will appear to you.” (5) They brought to the front of the Tent of Meeting the things that Moses had commanded, and the whole community came forward and stood before the LORD. (6) Moses said: “This is what the LORD has commanded that you do, that the Presence of the LORD may appear to you.” (7) Then Moses said to Aaron: “Come forward to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering, making expiation for yourself and for the people; and sacrifice the people’s offering and make expiation for them, as the LORD has commanded.” (8) Aaron came forward to the altar and slaughtered his calf of sin offering. (9) Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him; he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; and he poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. (10) The fat, the kidneys, and the protuberance of the liver from the sin offering he turned into smoke on the altar—as the LORD had commanded Moses; (11) and the flesh and the skin were consumed in fire outside the camp. (12) Then he slaughtered the burnt offering. Aaron’s sons passed the blood to him, and he dashed it against all sides of the altar. (13) They passed the burnt offering to him in sections, as well as the head, and he turned it into smoke on the altar. (14) He washed the entrails and the legs, and turned them into smoke on the altar with the burnt offering. (15) Next he brought forward the people’s offering. He took the goat for the people’s sin offering, and slaughtered it, and presented it as a sin offering like the previous one. (16) He brought forward the burnt offering and sacrificed it according to regulation. (17) He then brought forward the meal offering and, taking a handful of it, he turned it into smoke on the altar—in addition to the burnt offering of the morning. (18) He slaughtered the ox and the ram, the people’s sacrifice of well-being. Aaron’s sons passed the blood to him—which he dashed against every side of the altar— (19) and the fat parts of the ox and the ram: the broad tail, the covering [fat], the kidneys, and the protuberances of the livers. (20) They laid these fat parts over the breasts; and Aaron turned the fat parts into smoke on the altar, (21) and elevated the breasts and the right thighs as an elevation offering before the LORD—as Moses had commanded. (22) Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them; and he stepped down after offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the offering of well-being. (23) Moses and Aaron then went inside the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the Presence of the LORD appeared to all the people. (24) Fire came forth from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat parts on the altar. And all the people saw, and shouted, and fell on their faces.