The restoration of the public worship in the Temple was an event well
worth remembering; and, for this reason, Judas and the Great Council
decided that the eight days beginning with the 25th of Kislev should be
celebrated henceforth, annually, as a festival of rejoicing and
thanksgiving to commemorate the victory of the small band of Jews over
the mighty hosts of the Syrians. To this day, this festival which is
known as חנוכּה the “Feast of Dedication”, is celebrated by the Jews
each year all over the world. On the eight days candles are lit, and
special prayers are offered to the Lord for that He saved his people
from being wiped out as a nation forever.
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