John 10:22. In "winter," about our December (1 Maccabees 4:52-59; 2 Maccabees 10:5). Commemorating the purging of the temple and rebuilding of the altar after Judas Maccabaeus had driven out the Syrians, 164 B.C. It began on the 25th of Chisleu (December), the anniversary of Antiochus Epiphanes' pollution of the temple 167 B.C. Lasted eight days. Celebrated like the feast of tabernacles with much joy and singing, and with carrying of branches. The Hallel was sung in the temple daily. The feast was called "lights," and there was much illumination of houses. The "dedication of the second temple" was on the 3rd of Adar (Ezra 6:15-16); that of Solomon's temple at the feast of tabernacles (1 Kings 8:2; 2 Chronicles 5:3).