The military miracle of Chanukah is always associated with Yehuda the Maccabee, the heroic son of Matityahu, the Kohen Gadol, who led the revolt against the Hellenist oppressors.

One explanation for the name Maccabee is that it is an acronym of the Hebrew verse: Mi chamocha ba’eilim Hashem — Who is like You among the gods, Hashem!

This was apparently the battle cry of the army led by Yehuda the Maccabee, which put its faith in G-d as the source of their success.

© 1995-2021 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu