Others answered:—
"Happy is our old age, for therein have we atoned for the sins of our youth." These were repentants.
Then joining together, both parties said:—
"Happy is the one who is free from sin; but ye who have sinned, repent, return to God, and ye will be forgiven."
The festival was continued during the entire night; for when the religious exercises concluded the people gave themselves up to innocent but thorough enjoyment.
This festival was also called the "Festival of Drawing Water."
Because, during the existence of the Temple, wine was offered during the year for a burnt-offering, but on the Feast of Tabernacles they offered two drink-offerings, one of wine and one of water. Of the other they made a special festival on the second day of the Tabernacle assemblage, calling it the Feast of Drawing the Water. It was founded upon the words of the prophet:—
"And ye shall draw water with joy from the fountains of salvation."
HANNUKAH
This festival is observed for eight days during the ninth month Kislev (December), and commemorates the dedication of the Temple after it had been defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes, whose armies were overthrown by the valiant Maccabees, Hashmoneans.