Judas Maccabeus (167–160 bc). Judas Maccabeus earned a reputation as a fierce warrior, acquiring the nickname “Maccabee,” which means “the hammer-like one” (adapted from an Aramaic term). Under his skillful leadership, the guerrilla band successfully raided various locations—destroying pagan temples, punishing pro-Seleucid Jews, and encouraging the faithful. Judas and his troops soon expanded their exploits, conducting large-scale assaults on the occupying Syrian force. Antiochus dispatched his commander, Lysias, to put down the uprising, but Judas repeatedly defeated the Syrian Seleucid army.

The stunning success of this small band of warriors forced Antiochus IV to lift the prohibition against Judaism (164 bc). However, Antiochus retained Menelaus as high priest and kept the Acra in place. Shortly thereafter, Judas and his troops triumphantly entered Jerusalem, occupied the desecrated holy place, and re-established the worship of the Israelite God. This event—which occurred on the 25th of Kislev (December), 164 bc—is commemorated in the Feast of Dedication (also known as Hanukkah).

Although this occasion did not mark the end of the Jewish struggle for freedom, General Lysias made an agreement with the Jews: allowing them the free exercise of religion in return for their acknowledgement of Syrian sovereignty. By this time, Antiochus IV had died (164 bc). Lysias also deposed Menelaus as high priest and installed Alcimus (162–159 bc) in his place. Pro-Syrian to the core, Alcimus was of non-Zadokite origin, but was a descendant of Aaron. The agreement with Lysias held for many years; however, Judas and his followers did not trust the Syrians. They continued to fight for complete independence, but the struggle cost Judas his life in 160 bc. His brother Jonathan then assumed leadership of the Jewish army.