Mel Gibson Needs a Jewish Mother

By Ilana Angel
Published on April 12, 2012

On the trail of the Maccabees

Published on December 22, 2011

The heroes of Chanukah are no secret. The legendary Judah Maccabee and his warrior brothers defeated the Greek Hellenists in true Israelite fashion.

B-Boyz take back Chanukah with their new holiday hit, ‘Menorah Hearts’

By Jay Firestone
Published on December 13, 2011

The making of a Hollywood Maccabee wannabee

Published on December 12, 2011

Who would have projected that Chanukah could be billed as the festival of lights, camera, action?

Could Gibson be good for the Maccabees?

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 21, 2011

Stories and essays and pictures illuminate holiday

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on November 29, 2007

Books about Chanukah.

Chanukah and adult faith

By Danya Ruttenberg
Published on November 29, 2007

A lot of people have trouble with Chanukah. I did, for years. I'd go to parties and nibble on my latke or sufganiyot while grumbling under my breath about how there was nothing here to celebrate. I'd light my Chanukiyah, but I'd only do the bare minimum needed to fulfill the mitzvah and I'd do my best not to enjoy it. My problem then, and the problem of the people who this year have already informed me that they're all but going to boycott the holiday, is that the history of this particular celebration is, well ... complicated.

Chanukah—it’s not just about a miracle anymore

By Ben Harris
Published on November 29, 2007

One of the Jewish calendar's most widespread and public observances, the Chanukah holiday has traditionally emphasized two miracles: the military victory of Jewish rebels over Greek invaders and the one vial of oil that lasted for eight nights. However, just as other holidays have seen their historic purpose shaped to contemporary narratives, Chanukah is increasingly being used as a vehicle for other Jewish agendas that seem to stray far from the holiday's original meaning.

How the Maccabees Reshaped Jerusalem

By Bill Gladstone
Published on December 2, 2004

Less well-known, according to a leading Israeli archaeologist, is that the Maccabees also were major builders who transformed the face of Jerusalem and restored the centrality of the Temple in Jewish life.

When in Rome

By Ruth E. Gruber
Published on December 6, 2001

The election of Dr. Riccardo Di Segni as the new chief rabbi of Rome opens the latest chapter in the tumultuous life of a Jewish community that traces its history back to the days of the Maccabees.

What Is the Holiday Miracle?

By Jane Ulman
Published on November 29, 2001

Nes Gadol Hayah Sham.

We all agree that the letters on the sides of the dreidel stand for "A Great Miracle Happened There." (In Israel, of course, the letters stand for Nes Gadol Hayah Po -- "A Great Miracle Happened Here.")

But -- and this is why there's a book titled "Two Jews, Three Opinions" -- what miracle are we talking about?