Discovering the Maccabees
Seeing the Big Picture
All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.Introduction
The Maccabees (Hasmoneans), the heroes of Chanukah, have inspired Jews throughout the
ages. Their motivation, self-confidence, and military power helped them to gain independence
from the Greek oppressors and made them role models for the early Zionists and the founders
of the State of Israel.
Match the illustrations from the National Library of Israel with their explanations. When you finish, you will see a photograph of a tradition that was popular with Israeli youth in the early years of the State.Name:
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Worksheet
Discovering the Maccabees
Seeing the Big Picture
Examine the documents and text included in this activity. Consider how each document or piece of text relates to each other and create matched pairs. Write the text or document number next to its match below. Write your conclusion response in the space provided.1
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This is a 1934 Chanukah advertisement for the Keter shoe company. The advertisement says that the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) were Keter shoe wearers and stresses the importance of buying products produced in the Land of Israel.
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This photograph was taken during a Maccabi sporting event which took place in Nazi Germany in 1937. The Maccabi sports clubs were founded by Zionist leader, Max Nordau, who wanted to revive the idea, epitomized by the Maccabees, as Jews as strong and self-confident warriors.
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This is a New Year’s card featuring a Chanukah illustration depicting the High Priest lighting the menorah. Many of the other priests in the illustration are carrying spears and shields, signifying that they have just returned from the battlefield. The caption says, “The Festival of the Hasmoneans.”
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This is an advertisement from the period of the British Mandate (1922-1948) promoting the Eshed-Gat-Rimon Canneries and their products. The advertisement claims that Simon the Maccabee conquered Jaffa and made it part of the Jewish State and minted coins which bore the image of citrus fruit.
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This is a photograph of a cave in the cave complex known as the Tomb of the Maccabees in the Ben Shemen forest. Although it is a popular place to visit, it is not believed that the Maccabees were actually buried here.
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This is a drawing of the Maccabean graves which appeared in an article written by the children’s author, Levin Kipnis, about Chanukah. The artist drew the illustration in 1720 based on his imagination according to the traditional description of the tomb. The tomb itself has never been found.
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Culminating Document
Full Citation: . [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/, January 18, 2025]
Conclusion
Discovering the Maccabees
Seeing the Big Picture
- What do the Maccabees mean to you?
- Which of their traits do you admire?
- Which traits would you like to have?