Starting at sundown on Sunday, December 18th the celebration of Hanukkah will once again commence and continue until sundown on Monday December 26. This year it’s possible to celebrate “Chrismukkah” as the two will be happening simultaneously! Hanukkah is the celebration of the Maccabees successfully revolting against the Seleucid dynasty. The Seleucids were Macedonian Greeks and was a Hellenistic state formed after the death of Alexander the Great.
They were known to have been very egregious to the Jewish people and wouldn’t allow the practice of Judaism to take place, so those that did did so in secrecy.
The revolt began in Judea and continued for over 30 years before the Maccabees were victorious and began the Hasmonean Dynasty which lasted from 140 BC to 37 BC when the Romans took over.
The Hasmoneans had a short reign but extremely pivotal. With their quashing the Greek influence on Jewish life and reintroducing Judaism as the main way of life in the land and purifying the Temple, they arguably helped pave the way for the coming of the Christ.
So where can you see evidence of the Maccabees and Hasmoneans in Israel?
The revolt started in the Judean Desert so it’s no surprise that you will find remnants of the rebels and following dynasty there. The leaders had a winter palace in Jericho that they had to utilize the more mild winters. You can still see remnants of these palaces in the area.
Recently in a cave, a jar of about the modern-day equivalent of $8,000 in coins was discovered in a cave in the Negev desert. These coins date exactly to the time of the revolt, and is believed to have been the earlier proof of the rebellion in the area. The belief is that the money was hidden by a rebel in attempt to save for the future.
A fortress was discovered outside of Akko that shows just how far the Dynasty spread not just in name but in power. They didn’t last long, but certainly made efforts to build and establish quickly. It took the weight of the Roman Empire to disturb their power.
An oil lamp on what is known as the Pilgrim’s Road from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple was also discovered which dated back to the time of the Hasmonean period. It could have been dropped by a pilgrim on their way to celebrate the Feast of Dedication (modern day Hannakuh) 2,000 years ago! Don’t forget, Hanukkah is not a Christmas replacement for the Jews and was celebrated by Jesus!
We hope you will come and visit the land very soon with Immanuel Tours!
