Chanukah Resources
The history behind the lights
Recorded lectures and articles by Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff on the history of Chanukah, the people who shaped it, and what it can teach educators and leaders today.
New this year, live in Passaic: From Persecution to Independence, a free two-part series. Motzei Shabbos, Nov 21 & 28, 8:00 PM.
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Listen
Recorded lectures
A two-part walkthrough of the Chanukah period, from Greek rule to the Hasmonean revolt.
Part I
The History of Chanukah
Part II
The History of Chanukah
Read
The history and its heroes
In story order, from the first Hellenistic pressures to the end of the Hasmonean dynasty.
Impactful blog
Tightening the Hellenistic Screws, Part I
How Greek rule and Greek culture slowly closed in on Jewish life in Judea.
Read article →
Impactful blog
Tightening the Hellenistic Screws, Part II
The Hasmoneans take a stand.
Read article →
Torah.org
Light Over Darkness
Exploring what the sages meant when they described the Greek era as darkness.
Read article →
Impactful blog
The End of the Hasmonean Dynasty
How the family that saved Jewish independence eventually lost it.
Read article →
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Chanukah lessons for educators and leaders
What the Chanukah story can teach about education, leadership and staying true to your mission.
About the author
Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff is a former Jewish History teacher and professor, a longtime contributor of history articles to The Jewish Press, and the founder of Impactful Coaching & Consulting.
See this year’s live Chanukah series