Interestingly enough, the festival is not recorded in Hebrew Bibles (which is no big deal, of course).

In my opinion, the fact that it's not demonstrates the important role Tradition played and continues to play in our spiritual ancestors' religion.

There was a rumor for a while that Mel Gibson's next big project was going to be an epic about the Maccabean Revolt. What a dandy that would surely be.
Terry | Homepage | 12.15.06 - 2:10 pm | #

I think though the Hebrew canon is more complicated than that. Maccabees isn't in what is called the Pharisee canon or the Sadducee canon which only included the Pentateuch. The Alexandria canon which was accepted by Jews in the Diaspora included Maccabees and I think is still accepted by some Jewish sects today.
Jeff Miller | Homepage | 12.15.06 - 2:50 pm | #

Terry:

I thought of that, too. It certainly isn't a consideration for Jews, then or now.

Jeff:

That's pretty interesting, especially the part about it still being the case for certain Jewish groups today. Any links? It jogs a faint and wholly unreliable memory about the Ethiopian Jews, but I'm nowhere near slightly sure about that.
Dale Price | Homepage | 12.15.06 - 4:34 pm | #

Regarding spam comments, the moderator of this board has been informed. Adjustments to follow.

Thank you for your patience.
Heather Price | Homepage | 12.16.06 - 4:29 pm | #

Your memory is correct, I believe it is the Ethiopian Jews.
Jeff Miller | Homepage | 12.18.06 - 12:30 pm | #