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In 165 BCE, a popular revolt — led by Mattathias, an elderly priest from the town of Modi'in, east of today's Lod, and his five sons — broke out against Seleucid rule. Mattathias died soon thereafter, and was succeeded by his third son, Judah, also known as Judah Maccabee.

Following a brilliant guerrilla campaign — as well as several victories against far larger, regular Seleucid armies — Judah's forces liberated Jerusalem in the winter of 164 BCE. The Temple was cleansed and, on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, rededicated.

In one of Chanukah's traditions, children are given four-sided tops as toys. In the diaspora, the sides bear the Hebrew letters which form the acronym: "A great miracle happened there." In Israel, the sides bear the Hebrew letters which form the acronym: "A great miracle happened here."

In the State of Israel, Chanukah is marked by a torch relay from Modi'in to Jerusalem and giant menorahs are also lit in public squares.

Chanukah is not a legal holiday in Israel; offices, shops and public transportation operate as usual.