Chanukah Discussion

[good sam]

Feel free to use this thread for any discussion on inyanei chanukah.

What do you guys think about this piece on the "rebranding" of Chanukah? It is rather odd that there is no source for the miracle of the oil prior to the gemara.
http://thetorah.com/uncovering-the-truth-about-chanukah/

[ckmk47]

I don't think her sources hold a candle to the gemara.
The book of Maccabees 1 and 2 ?  The great first century historian Josephus ?
Puleez!
The chachomim of the gemara knew what they were talking about.
A YomTov is established for spiritual reasons, with spiritual rituals. It is NOT about the history. It is about the strength/spirit inherent in the day, who's power we should tap into during these days in our spiritual  journey.