DEDICATION, FEAST OF (τὰ̀ έγκαίνια): A feast called the Feast of Hanukkah, celebrated annually by the Jews for eight days to commemorate the cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated by the Syrians under Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Macc 4:52-59; 2 Macc 10:5). The restoration of the worship of God was effected by the Hasmonean, Judas Maccabaeus about 165 b.c., three years after its defilement. The Greco-Syrian Antiochus, in his excessive zeal to Hellenize his realm, persecuted the Jews, proscribed their religious observances, and erected an idolatrous altar on the altar of burnt offering in Jerusalem, where heathen sacrifices were then offered (1 Macc 1:41-64; 2 Macc 6:1-11; Jos. Antiq. xii. 5, 4). The Hasmoneans raised the cry of revolt at Modin and ultimately overthrew the forces of Antiochus. Josephus gives a vivid account (Jos. Antiq. xii. 5, 4; 7, 4). The feast falls on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which tallies with December (but not always). Josephus designated it “The Feast of Lights.” The Apostle John called it “The Feast of Dedication” (John 10:22, only here in the NT). He correctly states the season of the year, showing his familiarity with Jewish customs. The Jews have named it “The Feast of the Maccabees,” and the Talmud designated it “The Feast of Illumination.” Christ, present in Jerusalem during this festival, addressed the multitude. The festival was characterized by the illumination of synagogues and homes. It was a time of joy and merriment, and no public mourning was permitted on this feast. Jewish tradition claims that Judas Maccabaeus found a cruse of oil, which was sufficient for a day, but lasted for eight. The feast is celebrated among the Jews today. The system of lighting is one light for the first day, and an additional one for each succeeding day of the festival. 2 Maccabees 10:6, 7 indicated the feast was observed like the Feast of Tabernacles, with palms, branches, and the singing of psalms. On this occasion Psalm 30 (see title) was read in the ritual of the day (1 Macc 1:41-64; 2 Macc 6:10, 11).

In the celebration today, although work is allowed on these days, there is a prescribed, festive ritual. The family solemnly gathers around the father as he lights the candles with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the liberation of His people from the persecution of the oppressor. Presents and money gifts are distributed to the children. During the evening games are played with the posing of riddles and exchange of jokes. In Europe the special table dish for the occasion was pancakes. See Feasts.

Bibliography H. Schauss, The Jewish Festivals (1938), 208-236; B. M. Edidin, Jewish Holidays and Festivals (1940), 87-103; The Jewish People, Past and Present (1948), II, 277, 278; G. Kittel ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, III (1965), 453, 454.