Book of the Maccabees Excluded from Bible
Question
Hello,
I am researching the composition of the Torah for a School Project , and a part of my investigation is to research why a particular piece of scripture was excluded from the canon of scripture from the Hebrew tradition. I was hoping you would be able to help me with this part.
Are you able to give me any detail into why The Maccabees were excluded from the Torah?
Many thanks for your help !
Answers
The book of the Maccabees is not included in the Holy Scriptures because the story of Chanukah took place after the canonization of the Holy Writings. The last body to have the spiritual authority to include works into the Writings was called “the Men of the Great Assembly,” and which was disbanded around 355 BCE. The story of Chanukah took place much later, around 160 BCE.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team