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CHANUKAH: RENEWAL OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS Chanukah, an eight-day holiday which begins on the 25th day of Kislev, commemorates the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom. It began on Sunday evening December 9 and will continue through Monday December 17. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE after its desecration by the ruling Seleucid (Syrian Greek) Kingdom, under Antiochus IV - and the re-establishment of religious freedom in Judea after a period of harsh repression. Following the death of Alexander the Great who had conquered the Persian Empire, Judea was ruled by the Ptolemies of Alexandria. Many of the Jews came under the influence of Hellenism. Antiochus IV, who acceded to the throne in 175 BCE, instituted, with the support of many Jews, a policy of forced Hellenization. Jews were forced to eat pork, and the death penalty was imposed on those who observed the Sabbath and circumcised their sons. In 167 BCE, the holy Temple in Jerusalem was defiled and dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. Harsh decrees were issued against Jews who refused to adopt Hellenistic culture. A popular revolt led by Mattathias, an elderly priest from the town of Modi'in and his five sons, broke out in 165 BCE against the Seleucid rule. Upon Mattathias' death shortly thereafter, he was succeeded by his third son, Judah, known as the Maccabee (meaning "the Hammer"). Following a brilliant guerrilla campaign -- as well as several victories over far larger, regular Seleucid armies -- Judah's forces liberated Jerusalem. They cleaned the Temple, which they found in ruins, and, on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, rededicated it. ("Chanukah" means "dedication" in Hebrew.) When they sought to relight the candelabra in the Temple, the Jews found only enough pure, undefiled olive oil for one day. This small quantity miraculously burned for the eight days until new oil could be obtained. To commemorate the miracles, on each day of Chanukah a candle or oil menorah is lit at nightfall. Starting with one candle on the right side (facing the lighter) on the first night, an additional is added each night an additional candle is lit until the eighth night when the menorah is completely lit. The candles are lit from left to right. The shamash, which stands apart from the other candles, is used to light them. Two blessings are said upon lighting the menorah: one acknowledging the mitzvah of lighting the menorah, and one that thanks God for performing miracles for our ancestors. On the first night, the blessing of "Shehechiyanu" is added, which thanks God for sustaining us up to this time. The menorah should be placed in a window or doorway where it can be seen to publicize the miracle of the oil. "Al hanissim" and Hallel are added to the prayers during Hanukka. Foods fried in oil, potato pancakes or jelly doughnuts are eaten. Children - and adults - traditionally play with the "dreidel" during Chanukka. In the Diaspora, the sides bear the Hebrew letters "nun, gimel, heh, shin" - the first letters of the words "nes gadol hayah sham" ( a great miracle happened there). In Israel, the letter "peh" for "poh" appears in place of "shin" because a great miracle happened here.
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