What does Hanukkah commemorate in Judaism?

The celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire by the Maccabees in the 2nd century BCE. This significant event is marked by the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of oil, sufficient for one day's light, miraculously lasted for eight days, leading to the festival's eight-day duration. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the perseverance of the Jewish people in maintaining their faith and traditions.

The other options represent important events in Jewish tradition but do not align with the specific historical context of Hanukkah. For instance, the birth of Moses marks a pivotal moment in the Torah but is not associated with the events commemorated during Hanukkah. Similarly, the creation of the world and the exodus from Egypt are central narratives in Judaism but have distinct celebrations, such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover, respectively. Hanukkah's focus is specifically on the Temple’s rededication and the miracle of the oil, setting it apart from these other significant commemorative events in Jewish history.