What is the real story behind  Chanukah? Is it a military victory holiday or a miracle holiday? How did the holiday change from the time of its beginnings and even more interesting - why did it change?

In this class we will explore the history of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greek Syrian regime; how the Hasmoneans/Maccabees came to power; what the results of that power grab were; and how and why the rabbis of later generations changed the emphasis of the holiday. We will explore the text of the Book of the Maccabees and have a simulated conference of different groups that had a hand in the making of the Holiday of Light.