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Hanukkah
The festival of lights, as it is often called, is a celebration of both Jewish spiritual values and the triumph of the Jews over the armies of Antiochus IV.
984 Questions
Why are the maccabees important to Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees against the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE.
The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jews were victorious; against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation.
Answer:While the above answer is relevant, it should be pointed out that on Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we alsothank God during Hanukkah for the Maccabees' military victory (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple).The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Maccabees (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. When they reached the Temple grounds, they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil, but the oil lamps miraculously burned for eight days (ibid.), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple.
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). The eight-day rededication of the Temple is also mentioned in the book of Maccabees (I, 4:36; and II, 1:18); and Josephus mentions the eight-day festival in Antiquities ch.12.
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
What are the seven candles on Hanukkah called?
On Hanukkah, there are eight candles, plus a "shamash" candle which is used to light the others. Collectively, the candles constitute a Menorah (sometimes called a Hanukkiyah).
Answer:Celebrations: lighting candles each night. Singing special songs, such as Ma'oz Tzur. Reciting the Hallel prayer. Eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods. Playing the dreidel game, and giving Hanukkah gelt.The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting.
It is called the festival of lights.
Why do Jewish children look forward to Hanukkah?
Simply put, because American parents give presents. Hanukkah is actually a somewhat minor holiday in Judaism, but since it is so close to Christmas, worried Jewish parents in the western world tend to pretend it is a big deal so that little Jewish children don't feel left out.
What kind of music is played for Hanukkah?
There is no special music played on Hanukkah, although some families play Hanukkah music. But most families just sing the Hanukkah songs instead of playing them on a stereo.
See related links for more information.
What event is remembered at Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews against the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE.
The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jews were victorious, against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation.
Answer:
On Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we also thank God during Hanukkah for the Hasmoneans' miraculous military victories (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple).
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
How are chanukah and Christmas the same?
The only real similarities between Christmas and Hanukkah are that they are both (typically) in December (Channukah can start anywhere from the end of November to the end of December) and gifts are exchanged (only in North America for Channukah).
The stories behind Hanukkah and Christmas are completely unrelated.
What warrior is commemorated for Hanukkah?
Matityahu, the aged Kohen, is the only one mentioned by name in our Hanukkah-blessings or prayers. His sons, who did the actual leading of the Jews in battle, are not named during Hanukkah. The reason is that, although their military victory is generically mentioned in the prayers, Hanukkah wouldn't have been founded if not for the miracle of the oil.It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "The Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
See also the Related Link.
Why is hanukkah celebrated in the winter?
Because that's when the miracle of the oil occurred. The Jewish holidays are always celebrated in their appropriate seasons.
Why do Jewish people celebrate Chanukah?
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean War of 165 BCE, between the Jews and the Syrian-Greeks. The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jews were victorious, against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation.
But a second miracle is more commonly known: A story in the Talmud (500 years later) tells of a legendary miracle. After the war, When the Jews returned to rededicate the Ancient Temple, they found that there was only enough oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for 1 day. It would take 8 days to make more of this special oil. So the lit the lamp, and it miraculously burned for 8 days, giving them plenty of time to make more oil to keep the lamp burning.
This second miracle is very popular with children. It is understood as a legend only, and appears to be the early Rabbis' attempt to add a spiritual level to the holiday.
Answer:The above answer is non-traditional. Our tradition is that the miracle of the oil did indeed occur and isn't just a legend. If it wasn't for the clear tradition of our Sages, Hanukkah would have been forgotten long ago. Moreover, on Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we also thank God during Hanukkah for the Hasmoneans' miraculous military victories (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple).The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The eight-day rededication of the Temple is also mentioned in the book of Maccabees (I, 4:36; and II, 1:18); and Josephus mentions the eight-day festival in Antiquities ch.12.
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Why did the menorah change from 7 candles to 9 candles?
The menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem (the Beit Hamikdash) was lit with olive oil, not candles. It had seven branches (three on each side and one in the middle) as commanded explicitly (Exodus ch.25).
To celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, we also use a menorah. But since the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, we use a menorah that has eight branches (plus the shamash-candle used to light the others. This added candle need not be part of the menorah).
Other information
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
In 1958 what country's national bank created special coins to be used asd Hanukkah gelt?
Israel.
"Since the founding of the State of Israel, Jewish coinage has become a fascinating part of numismatics worldwide. In 1958, the Bank of Israel initiated a program of striking special commemorative coins for use as Hanukkah gelt. In a brilliantly conceived move to link the modern world with the ancient history of our people, the first Hanukkah coin portrayed exactly the same menorah that had appeared on the Last Maccabean coins of Antigonus Matityahu, 1,998 years earlier. Each year since 1958 (except 1964-71), the Hanukkah gelt coin has honored a different Jewish community around the world. In 1972, a silver coin was struck showing a 20th century Russian menorah, a rather clear message to the world about Soviet Jewry. On the 200th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, the 1976 Hanukkah coin featured a colonial American menorah. Other issues through the years have featured menorahs from many different lands where Jews have lived."
Where can you find the menorah?
The Hanukkah-menorah may be lit anywhere that it will serve to publicize the miracle of the oil. It shouldn't be put on or near the floor, or near a bathroom.
Some common customs include placing it at a window, or near a doorway (dining room or kitchen), or on the dining room table.
What toy is associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah?
You are referring to the Dreidel, or Sevivon, which is a spinning top. Strictly speaking, it's not actually a toy, though in todays practice, it is mostly used by children.
What are jewish candles called?
Jews use a braided candle for havdala, a service that marks the end of the Sabbath and heralds the beginning of the work week.
The braided candle (or two candles held together) is important because two or more wicks are required in order to match the words of the blessing, "Who creates the illuminations of fire" - i.e., the various types of manmade light that we utilize during the week.
Yes it is. It is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar. In Israel, however, schools have a vacation.
Why is 'gelt' given on Hanukkah?
Gelt is the Yiddish word for coins. It is a tradition for Jewish parents to give their children money, and some chocolate companies thought that it would be a good idea to make chocolate coins. These "gelt" became a hit in many places, and they still are today.
Some families like to gamble using gelt instead of money, and playing with a dreydle.
How do you say happy Hanukkah in Italian?
'Felice ChanukkÃ?' is an Italian equivalent of 'Happy Hanukkah'. 'ChanukkÃ?' also is known as 'Festa delle Luci' in Italian. That means 'Festival of the Lights' in English.
Which famous people celebrate Hanukkah?
Most Jewish celebrities have celebrated Hanukkah.
A few names are:
Aaron Himelstein
Adam Brody
Adam Pascal
Adam Sandler
Adiel Stein
Adrien Brody
Albert Einstein
Alex Borstein
Alex D. Linz
Alex Wolff
Alexander Gould
Alicia Silverstone
Alisan Porter
Alison Brie
Alla Korot
Alyson Hannigan
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Peet
Amber Benson
Andrew Garfield
Andy Samberg
Anton Yelchin
Ari Graynor
Arianne Zuker
Ashley Peldon
Ashley Tisdale
B. J. Novak
Bahar Soomekh
Bar Refaeli
Barbra Streissand
Barry Manilow
Becky Griffin
Ben Feldman
Ben Foster
Ben Savage
Binyamin Netanyahu
Brooke Burke
Bryan Greenberg
Caprice Bourret
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Chelsea Handler
Chris Kattan
Claudia Black
Cole Hauser
Corey Feldman
Corey Haim
Courtney Peldon
Dani Behr
Daniel Radcliffe
Danny Strong
Daphne Rosen
Daryl Sabara
David Arquette
David Charvet
David Krumholtz
Dianna Agron
Donna Feldman
Drake
Dustin Diamond
Eli Marienthal
Eli Roth
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Berkley
Elon Gold
Emmanuelle Chriqui
Emmy Rossum
Eric Cantor
Erin Daniels
Esti Ginzburg
Eva Green
Evan Rachel Wood
Ezra Miller
Flora Cross
Fred Savage
Gabriel Macht
Gal Gadot
Gideon Glick
Ginnifer Goodwin
Gregg Sulkin
Gwyneth Paltrow
Iddo Goldberg
Idina Menzel
Ione Skye
Isla Fisher
Jake Epstein
Jake Goldsbie
Jake Gyllenhaal
James Callis
James Franco
James Maslow
Jamie Luner
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Jason Fuchs
Jason Schwartzman
Jason Segel
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Westfeldt
Jenny Slate
Jeremy Ferdman
Jessalyn Gilsig
Jesse Eisenberg
Joaquin Phoenix
Joey Zimmerman
John Safran
Jon Foster
Jonah Bobo
Jonah Hill
Jonathan Lipnicki
Jonathan Tucker
Jordan (Katie Price)
Jordana Spiro
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Josh Charles
Josh Peck
Josh Radnor
Julian Morris
Juliet Landau
Justin Bartha
Justin Berfield
Kat Dennings
Kate Hudson
Katerina Graham
Kevin Sussman
Kevin Weisman
Khleo Thomas
Lara Sacher
Laura Prepon
Lauren Collins
Lauren Storm
Leah Remini
Lindsay Sloane
Lisa Kushell
Lizzy Caplan
Logan Lerman
Mageina Tovah
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Siff
Mara Wilson
Marissa Jaret Winokur
Mark Feuerstein
Marla Sokoloff
Matt Cohen
Matt Lucas
Matt Stone
Matt Weinberg
Maya Rudolph
Mayim Bialik
Meital Dohan
Melanie Laurent
Melanie Peres
Mia Kirshner
Michael Ian Black
Michael Lucas
Michael Rosenbaum
Michael Showalter
Michael Welch
Michal Yannai
Michelle Trachtenberg
Mila Kunis
Mili Avital
Nat Wolff
Natalie Portman
Natasha Lyonne
Neil Diamond
Nikki Reed
Nikki Ziering
Ninet Tayeb
Noah Wyle
Oded Fehr
Oliver Hudson
Rachel Bilson
Rachel Stevens
Rachel Weisz
Rafi Gavron
Rain Phoenix
Rashida Jones
Raviv (Ricky) Ullman
Rebekah Kochan
River Phoenix
Robert Coppola Schwartzman
Robert Kazinsky
Romola Garai
Sacha Baron Cohen
Samantha Harris
Sandy Bar
Sara Gilbert
Sara Paxton
Sarah Brown
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Ramos
Sarah Saltzberg
Sarah Silverman
Scarlett Johansson
Scott Mechlowicz
Scott Weinger
Selma Blair
Seth Green
Seth Rogen
Shane Kippel
Shayna Fox
Shia LaBeouf
Shiri Appleby
Shiri Maimon
Simon Rex
Soleil Moon Frye
Stacey Farber
Summer Phoenix
Tamara Braun
Tara Strong
Tori Spelling
Will Janowitz
Winona Ryder
Zach Braff
Zachary Gordon
Zena Grey
Zoe Weizenbaum
What is Hanukkah and when is it celebrated?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday.
On Hanukkah, the chief celebration is for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), which occurred during the Hasmonean victory (some 2200 years ago) over the Syrian-Greeks; and we also thank God for His having helped us to oust the Syrian-Greeks (Seleucids) and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews. The Seleucids, at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a religious Jewish family) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. When they reached the Temple grounds, they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil, but the oil lamps miraculously burned for eight days (ibid.), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple.
The Al-Hanisim prayer recited during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Is Hanukkah before or after Christmas?
The short answer is.... it depends on which year your looking at....
Hannukah (or Festival of Lights) is a Jewish holiday observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev.
This is according to the Hebrew Calendar. But may occur either late November or late December if your looking at the Gregorian Calendar.
Here are some Hanukkah dates for the near future:
2011: December 20-28
2012: December 8-16
2013: November 27-December 5
2014: December 16-24
2015: December 6-14
What does the light during Hanukkah represent?
The Chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) is lit on Chanukkah to publicize the miraculous victory of the Maccabees and the oil of the Menorah miraculously burning for 8 days.
Answer:The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Does the menorah get used at Passover?
No, the menorah (candle-holder for eight candles) is used only during Hanukkah. However, two candles are lit before nightfall, as is done on the eve of every Shabbat and festival.
For more about the Seder, and for more about Hanukkah, see their links: About the Seder
