The story of Hanukkah
I can retell the story of Hanukkah and explain how it is interpreted by different Jews.
The story of Hanukkah
I can retell the story of Hanukkah and explain how it is interpreted by different Jews.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hanukkah is a Jewish festival.
- It recalls the victory and freedom of Jews when they were oppressed by the Greek Empire.
- King Antiochus demanded that Jews bowed down to statues of him. Judah Maccabee and other Jews fought back.
- They repaired the temple and lit the oil lamp in the holiest place.
- The festival traditionally lasts for eight days to celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
Keywords
Hanukkah - Jewish festival of light celebrated in Autumn
Oppressed - treated in a way that is cruel or not fair
Sacred - an object or place that is set apart to be holy
Desecrate - to destroy the sacredness of an object or place
Menorah - a seven-branched candle-holder used as a symbol of Judaism
Common misconception
A menorah is just a decorative candle-holder.
A menorah has a deep significance for Jews as a symbol of G_d and the days of creation.