Leader of the Hasmonean – or Maccabean – revolt (167–163 BCE) against the Syrian Hellenic Seleucids, the success of which is celebrated by the Hanukkah festival. Succeeded his father, Mattathias, who launched the revolt. Judah laid the foundation for the Hasmonean state that was shaped and consolidated after his death by his successor, his brother Simeon the Hasmonean, and the latter's descendants. Recognized as one of the great military leaders in Jewish history, Judah was a brilliant strategist, tactician and leader who knew how to inspire his people and take advantage of weather and terrain. He used every opportunity to take the offensive against the larger and more powerful Seleucid forces, striking at night whenever possible, and moving rapidly. He knew how to command men with a high level of morale, while refraining from raising exaggerated hopes, constantly emphasizing the importance of the Judeans' fight for their faith.
After a series of victories Judah captured and purified the Temple, rededicating it on the 25th of Kislev (164 BCE), which became the first day of the eight-day Hanukkah festival. A subsequent victory over a Seleucid army led by Nicanor on the 13th of Adar (161 BCE) was celebrated by the Jews for some time as "Nicanor's Day."
Under constant harassment by the Seleucids, Judah requested and obtained a mutual-assistance pact with Rome. But the Romans did not send help when, soon afterward, the Seleucids sent a huge force commanded by Bacchides in the battle of Elasa (location unknown), in which Judah was killed.
