In 165 B.C in the land-living of Israel, in the middle of the walled city of Jerusalem, there mounted a beautiful temple. Although, outside of Israel, there lived a very impious man named Antiochus, the king of Syria; Antiochus, the king himself did not like people who follow other religions than his own and so he decided to overthrow people from their beliefs.
Antiochus went around the world forcing all people to follow his religion. During this period, Antiochus and his army finally conquered Israel. He proclaimed that Israel was under his control, and he ordered that only his gods could be worship after that.
He made people swear that they will give up all their religion and customs and follow his belief. He also decreed that all of the Jewish temples will be destroyed or converted including the beautiful temple of Jerusalem.
Antiochus confessed that whoever chooses to refuse his order will be severely punished. Out of fear, some of them obeyed him, and few were brave enough to deny and among them one was Judah Maccabee.
Judah Maccabee along with his brothers formed an army to fight against Antiochus and his army. Judah Maccabee and his brothers were strong fighters. Though they were a huge number of people, he fought against the Syrian army with all his courage. Believing in the victory that comes with the strength to fight for what you truly believe in, Judah and his brother succeeded in defeating Antiochus and reclaiming the temple of Jerusalem.
On the other hand, when they entered the temple for the first time they were shocked to see that the temple was a mess. The floor was cracked; the golden jugs were all tainted, and there was no oil. Judah and Maccabee started to clean the temple and to detach all the symbols and signs of religion which were forced to follow on them by the invaders.
After working hard, all they found a small bottle of oil, which would be enough to lighten the lamp for one night. But the miracle took place, instead of going off the lamp kept burning and it lasted for eight days and night. They knew God was with them. This is why we call Hanukkah as Festival of lights, and we celebrate this every year by burning eight candles in our menorahs.
Hope we made it easy to understand the reason behind calling Hanukkah as the festival of lights.
