Guide
Accounts of the Origin of Hanukkah
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Maccabees on the Origin of Hanukkah
Then Judah [Maccabee] and his brothers said, “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.” So all the army…
Primary Source
Lamp with Menorah, Sumaqa
This oil lamp, found in Sumaqa in the Carmel region, is decorated with an image of a menorah. The oil was poured into the two smaller holes and the wick placed in the larger opening. Lamps like these…
Primary Source
Folded Oil Lamp
This type of lamp is often called a Hasmonean lamp because of its popularity in the Hasmonean period. The pinched rim ensured a steady, controlled supply of oil to the wick.
Primary Source
Josephus on the Origin of Hanukkah
And so Judah [Maccabee] together with his fellow citizens celebrated the restoration of sacrifices in the Temple for eight days, omitting no form of pleasure but feasting them on costly and splendid…