The story of Chanukah is preserved in the books of the First and Second Maccabees. These books are not part of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible, Old Testament), but are part of the Apocrypha (Hebrew historical and religious material that was not codified as part of the Bible). The miracle of Chanukah is referred to in the Talmud, but not in the books of the Maccabees. This holiday marks the defeat of Assyrian forces who had tried to prevent Israel from practicing Judaism. Judah Maccabee and his brothers destroyed the overwhelming forces, and rededicated the Temple. The eight day festival is marked by the kindling of lights with a special Menorah, called a Chanukiah.
A legend recorded in the Talmud says that after the occupiers had been driven from the Temple, the Maccabees went in take down the pagan statues and restore the Temple. They discovered that most of the ritual items had been profaned. They sought ritually purified olive oil to light a Menorah to rededicate the Temple; however they found only enough oil for a single day. They lit this, and went about purifying new oil. Miraculously, that tiny amount of oil burned until new oil could be pressed, eight days. It is for this reason that Jews light a candle each night of the festival.
See also: Jewish holidays, Chanukah rituals
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