Why is hanaukah eight days?

Answer 1

There are at least 3 reasons: a) After the Maccabean revolt, the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated in an 8-day event. This is documented in I Maccabees. The fall festival of Succot was not properly celebrated that fall, and it was also 8 days long (including the final day of assembly), and the rededication served as an opportunity to make up for that lost festival. b) The Talmud, written many centuries later, explains that there was just enough oil to light the Temple menorah for one night, but by a miracle, it lasted for 8 days. c) The pagan festival of Saturnalia was 8 days, and in ancient times, Hanukkah served as "counterprogramming" to Saturnalia for the Jewish community.