the 25th of Kislev (on the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to mid-November to late December in the Gregorian calendar). Descendants The Jewish historian Josephus also presents information that appears to show Herod the Great as also being of Maccabean (Hasmonean) descent. Eleazar Maccabeus called Auran brother of Judas Maccabeus Jason son of Eleazar Antipater I son of Jason Antipater II Antipas son of Antipater I Herod the Great son of Antipater II who was married to Mariamne I who was also of Maccabean (Hasmonean) descent being descended from John Hyrcanus son of Simon Thassi. In literature and liturgy The story of the Maccabees can be found in the deuterocanonical books of 1 Maccabees, in Josephus, and in Talmudic references (Shabbat 21b, Shabbat 23a – related to the candles). He is also made reference to in chapter 28 of 1 Meqabyan, a book considered canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The "Al HaNisim" prayer, added into the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon on Hanukkah, refers to the story of the Maccabees and to Mattathias by name. See also Jewish leadership Hasmonean dynasty References Sources External links Mattathias ben Johanan entry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith 2nd-century BC deaths Hasmonean dynasty Year of birth unknown Maccabees 2nd-century BC clergy 2nd-century BCE Jews Jewish priests People in the deuterocanonical books