Hanukkah, the festival of lights, which is annually celebrated for eight days, beginning on the twenty-fifth of Kislev,[1]The ninth month of the Hebrew calendar commemorates two miraculous events. On the one hand, it marks the heroic victory of the Jews against pagan forces at the time of the religious persecutions by the Greco-Syrians,[2]Learn more about the Maccabean Revolt and on the other, the miracle of the cruse of oil.

The political struggle of the Jews against the Greeks proved decisive in forging the character of the nation. The Maccabean victories, in 168-165 B.C.E., eventually led to the religious freedom and national independence of Judea and to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the year 165 B.C.E. It was during the rededication that the miracle of the cruse of oil occurred.

The Menorah of the Temple had been extinguished for years. The Temple had been turned into a pagan sanctuary and had been darkened by alien shadows. With the new dawn of religious and national freedom there was great cause for celebration. The overwhelming sense of  'and there was light!' inspired the priests to re-kindle the Menorah.  In the search for pure oil,[3]The making of oil lamps was an educational project operated by JCC camps in North America, designed to teach young people about four periods of Jewish life: the Middle Bronze Age (the time of Abraham), the Late Bronze Age (the time of Moses), Iron Age I (the time of David), and the time of the Maccabees. The creation of oil lamps brings these historical periods to life and teaches children about daily life in ancient Israel. only one undefiled cruse was found intact with the seal of the high priest. Although the cruse contained sufficient oil for one day's lighting of the Menorah its oil miraculously lasted for eight days.

The following year, the Rabbis designated these eight days[4]The Talmud makes the following observation with regard to the miracle of the cruse of oil:

(Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21b) for giving thanks and praise to God. It is this episode that we commemorate by the lighting of the candles on the eight days of Hanukkah; one on the first day and one more on each succeeding day. In so doing, we transport the menorah of the Temple, bringing it into our own homes.

Hannukah, is thus the festival of lights and the festival of miracles. Both the miracle of oil and the miracle of salvation from our enemies find expression in the liturgy of the holiday.

We welcome you to Women and Wonder. This website reveals the integral connection of women to Hanukkah, the festival of miracles. The site is filled with resources and ideas; sights and sounds; visions and voices. You will encounter heroic women, courageous families, ancient customs, current challenges, timeless oil and manifold definitions of miracles.
At first glance it would seem that women did not play a pivotal role in the story of Hanukkah. However, upon further examination, it becomes clear that they hold a special place both behind the scenes and on center stage. Women are involved in the miracles of Hanukkah, and Judith, the daughter of Merari, is a shining star.In fact, the Talmud explains, women are obligated to light the Hanukkah candles, “because they too were included in this miracle”. Later halakhic authorities assert that women are to refrain from work while the Hanukkah lights are burning. This custom has become widespread practice throughout the world.Why women?In Women and Wonder, we consider diverse answers to this question. You are invited to treat yourself to an enlightening learning experience in your home, while the Hanukkah candles are lit. There are eight dimensions for you to explore-- one for each of these special nights of Hanukkah. To access them, click on one of the flames below. Enjoy this time to study with your family and to illuminate your home with the light of Torah.

References

References
↑1 The ninth month of the Hebrew calendar
↑2 Learn more about the Maccabean Revolt
↑3 The making of oil lamps was an educational project operated by JCC camps in North America, designed to teach young people about four periods of Jewish life: the Middle Bronze Age (the time of Abraham), the Late Bronze Age (the time of Moses), Iron Age I (the time of David), and the time of the Maccabees. The creation of oil lamps brings these historical periods to life and teaches children about daily life in ancient Israel.
↑4 The Talmud makes the following observation with regard to the miracle of the cruse of oil:

(Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21b)