Hanukkah—The Miraculous Story of the Maccabees
Hanukkah, a season of God’s light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season?
Join Yael Eckstein for a four-part podcast series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith this holiday has for us. Today, Yael tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people.
Hanukkah is a reminder that a single act of bravery can be turned into one of God’s miracles!
Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.
And listen to more of Yael’s teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.
Episode Notes:
On today’s episode, Yael takes a look at a well-known Jewish holiday that carries a message of faith, hope, and courage, and one that is so relevant for both Jews and Christians today—Hanukkah!
Listen and learn all about the story of Hanukkah—about the Maccabees and how they overcame the Greek army. During Greek rule, the Greeks heavily taxed the Jews and outlawed sacred Jewish practices, such as keeping the Sabbath, studying the Torah, circumcision, and keeping kosher. Mattathias, a Jewish priest serving in the Temple, couldn’t stand to see the Holy Temple in Jerusalem defiled by the Greeks.
Yael reads from Exodus 15:11: “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” And that became the battle cry for all those who followed Mattathias—the group that became known as the Maccabees.
Even though they were much weaker and smaller in number than the Greek army, which at the time of the Hanukkah story was the most powerful army in the world, the Maccabees were strong in their faith. They were serving a much more powerful commander: they served God, and in doing so, showed what courage and faith can accomplish.
So, what’s Hanukkah’s spiritual lesson for us today? Every small step of courage we take can impact the life of someone else. We never know what miracles a courageous act can create!
