The Holidays of Tomorrow

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited! This year it falls on December 25th, 2024, and I'm already imagining the warm glow of the menorah, the delicious smell of fried latkes, and the joy of exchanging gifts with loved ones. But have you ever wondered what Hanukkah is all about? Let's dive into the rich history and traditions behind this beloved holiday! Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. When the Syrian-Greek army, led by King Antiochus IV, conquered Judea, they desecrated the Temple by erecting a statue of Zeus and sacrificing pigs on the altar. A small group of brave Jewish rebels, the Maccabees, led by Mattathias and his five sons, rose up against the invaders and reclaimed the Temple. When they went to rededicate it, they found a single jar of oil that had been left untouched by the invaders, with enough oil to burn for jus...