The document provides a detailed summary of the story of Chanukah. It describes how the Syrian king Antiochus oppressed the Jewish people and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. A Jewish priest named Mattathias and his sons, known as the Maccabees, led a rebellion against the Syrians and reclaimed the Temple. Though outnumbered, the Maccabees were ultimately victorious. Upon rededicating the Temple, they found only enough oil to burn for one day but it miraculously lasted for eight days, leading to the eight day celebration of Chanukah.

1. Chanukah The Story of

10. The HISTORICAL Miracle For three long years the small group of courageous Jews fought the huge Syrian army. Finally, the Maccabees drove Antiochus’ soldiers out of Jerusalem. At last the Jews took back the Temple

11. Work to Do Imagine how happy the Jews were to have the Temple back! But they had lots of work to do. They destroyed the Greek idols. They cleaned the Temple from floor to ceiling. They rebuilt the alter. And they re-lit the Eternal Light. The Eternal Light was an oil lamp that burned in the Temple night and day.

12. The SPIRITUAL Miracle There is a legend that when Judah entered the Temple to light the Eternal Light, he found only one jar of oil. But when Judah lit the lamp, the oil burned brightly for eight days! It was enough to burn for just one day.

13. Why We Call it Chanukkah From all over Israel the Jewish people came to the Temple. They brought offerings and sang songs of thanks to God. The Jewish people rejoiced that they could worship God once again in the Temple. The celebration was called Chanukkah, which means “dedication,” because they were re-dedicating the Temple to God.

17. Candle Lighting Blessings We recite three blessings the first night, and two every other night. They are; And on the first night only we add;

24. Happy Chanukah חג חנוכה שמח