So, what is the origin of the Feast of Hanukkah and which dedication does it refer to? Most of the historical information comes from the intertestamental books of First and Second Maccabees. Historical documents from this time are known as the deuterocanonical literature. Six other books are accepted as deuterocanonical by some ancient churches: Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Ecclesiasticus, and Wisdom. Other sources are the Works of Flavius Josephus, History of the Jewish War, The Antiquities of the Jews, and Against Apion.Overall, this is a good historical and, especially, architectural overview. But I was puzzled to read this unqualified statement:
While cleaning the Temple, a small jug with olive oil was found under the seal of the High priest that was used to fill the lamps of the Lampstand (Menorah). There was only oil sufficient for one day, but, miraculously it lasted for eight days. That is where the idea of the Hanukkiah comes from.No mention that this story is late, first appearing in the Babylonian Talmud. Yes, also in the Megillat Ta'anit, but in a late Hebrew portion. The idea of Hanukkah comes from the "rededication" of the Temple, which is narrated in the early sources.
There are many PaleoJudaica posts exploring the complex history and reception of Hanukkah. Some are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and links, here and links, and here. If you do a search for "Hanukkah," you will find more, although many links have rotted.
Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.
