Ancient Judaism - Maccabees

The Maccabees
A Library of Congress look at the famous family in the Hanukkah tradition, the Maccabees.

Pharisees
Pharisees were active during the Second Temple period of Jewish history.

Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights held around the time of the winter solstice in commemoration of the Maccabees and the oil for the menorah.

Solstice Celebrations - Hanukah, Chanukah, Hanukkah
One festival connected with lights in the middle of winter, gift giving, and indulgent food is the 2000 year old holiday Hanukkah, literally, dedication, since Hanukkah is a celebration of the rededication of the Temple following a purification ritual.

Qumran Glossary - H
Glossary entry for the Hasmoneans.

11 Important Historical Biblical Figures
The Bible is a series of documents many revere as the backbone of their religion. For others, it is a literary masterpiece. For still others, it is nonsense. But our culture makes reference to many of the people mentioned in the Bible, so regardless of one's feelings about its value, it makes good sense to learn to recognize the names of major...