#holiday #history #facts —

The #Hasmonean ("#Maccabee") John Hyrcannus — who inherited #Jerusalem when his brother-in-law killed his brothers and his father — forcibly converted the entire region to Judaism.

This is why the inhabitants of Idumaea (Biblical Edom) became technically Jewish.

And, astonishingly, this is why #Herod could eventually destroy Jerusalem.

This is also a bizarre connection between #Hanukkah and #Christmas...

#histodons @histodons @histodon @religion @religiousstudies

Little known fact: #JohnMastodon’s great great grandparents came to this country via #EllisIsland where the name was changed as many were to assimilate. The original last name was #Maccabee. #JonMaccabee
#HappyHanukkah2022 🕎