Why do we celebrate “Chanuka” on Chanuka? According to the book of Chagai, the original construction of the second Temple (in the “Return to Zion” period) began on the 24th (or 25th) day of Kislev. If Chanuka marks the rededication of that very same Temple (several hundred years later), then one can assume a thematic relationship between these two events. We review the context of the prophecies of Chagai and Zechariah, and examine the messages in their prophecies which pertain to Chanuka.

Courtesy of Rabbi Menachem Leibtag www.tanach.org