He (the high priest Jason) immediately started to convert his countrymen (Jews) to the Greek way of life…He set up the gymnasium right in the Temple citadel…the passion for adopting Greek customs rose to such heights that the priests would neglect their Temple service and abandon the sacrifices in favor of unlawful exercises…(like) discus throwing.
II Maccabees 4:7
They (the Maccabees) offered a sacrifice for the first time in two whole years, restored the incense, the lights…the sanctuary was purified on the 25th of Kislev…This joyful celebration lasted for eight days. It was like Sukkot for they recalled how only a short time before they had kept that festival while living like animals in the mountains, and so they carried lulavim and etrogim…a measure was passed by the public assembly that the entire Jewish people should observe these days every year…
II Maccabees 10:1-8
In the first month of the year 152 (160 BCE), Judas had established his camp at Alasa…Aware that his army had melted away and the campaign was going against him, Judas was greatly disheartened…he said to those who were left, “Let us take the offensive and see if we can defeat the enemy…Heaven forbid that I should do such a thing as run away. If our time has come, let us die bravely for our fellow countrymen, and leave no stain on our honor…The fighting became very heavy, and many fell on both sides. Judas was among the fallen, the rest of the Jews fled…
I Maccabees 9:3 – 20
The precept of light on Chanukah requires that one light be kindled in each house. The zealous add a light for each person. The extremely zealous add a light for each person each night…According to Beit Shammai: On the first day, eight lights should be kindled, thereafter they should be progressively reduced. Beit Hillel held that on the first n ight one light should be kindled. Thereafter they should be progressively increased.
Shabbat 21b
If one has only enough money for either oil to light the Shabbat candles or oil to kindle the Chanukah lamp, one should kindle the Shabbat candles because it brings peace into a household. However, if one must choose between wine for Kiddush and oil for the Chanukah lamp, one should kindle the Chanukah lamp because it is more important to proclaim the miracle.
Shabbat 23b
There are those that say that even if one lights within the house (so that no one else can light), If he lives in a place where no Jews live, he lights saying the blessings.
Orach Chayim (Laws of Chanukah 677:2)
“We brought animal sacrifices and fine flour. We kindles lamps…and now we ask you to celebrate Sukkot in the month of Kislev. Judah took the lulav as part of the rededication of the Temple. They placed in on their coins. He asked everyone to celebrate Chanukah just like Sukkot…
Aruch Hashulchon on Orach Chayim 68:3
