JUDAS MACCABEUS Made By: Aaron Jalca

WHO IS HE? Judas Maccabeus is an important figure in the Judaism religion. He was a Jew himself actually. He literally fought for Jewish beliefs. This is his story 

LIFE Judas (also known as Judah) Maccabeus was the third son of Mattathias the Hasmonean, a Jewish priest from the village Modiin. In 167 BC Mattathias and his sons Eleazar, Simon, John, Jonathan, and Judas started a rebellion against the Greek/Syrians (also know as the Seleucid Empire). The Seleucid king Antiochus IV outlawed Jewish beliefs and customs. So, the Jews started a revolt. After Mattathias died Judas assumed leadership. His was given the surname Maccabee which means “hammer” or “sledgehammer”. His troops were called Maccabees thereafter. Judas died in the Battle of Elasa.

WAR REASONS  Jewish customs were outlawed.  Pagan priests were allowed to offer sacrifices in God’s temple.  King Antiochus IV pillaged the temple.  Mattathias killed a pagan priest offering an “unclean” pig as a sacrifice to Zeus in God’s temple.

BATTLE HIGHLIGHTS AND WAR EFFORTS  Battle of Emmaus (one of the first victories)  Battle at Jerusalem (most important victory)  Roman-Jewish Treaty (a treaty of friendship to Rome)

HANUKKAH After the Maccabees had conquered Jerusalem, they were prepared to rededicate the Temple. But the Eternal Flame (a sacred lamp that was supposed to be lit) was running out of oil. It would take the Jews eight days to purify more oil, but the lamp would only last for one more day. The candle miraculously stayed lit for the eight days it took to purify more oil. The Jews now celebrate Hanukkah because of this.

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