And Judas, and his brethren, and all the church of Israel decreed, that the day of the dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu, with joy and gladness.

“Decreed. Our Saviour observed this [Hanukkah] festival, which was appointed so long after Moses, John x. 22. (Worthington) — It was styled Encœnia, and kept in winter, while Solomon’s temple was dedicated in Tisri, and Zorobabel’s in Adar. The Jews light lamps, (Calmet) to testify their joy. (Josephus, Antiquities xii. 11.) — The Rabbins add, that a small bottle of oil had been preserved by the high priest, which multiplied so as to supply the lamps during the whole octave. Hence they still have lights at their windows on this festival. (Selden, Syn. iii. 13.)”