Judah Maccabee was a Jewish leader and warrior who played a crucial role in the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. He is best known for his military strategies and successful battles that led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This event is celebrated during the festival of Hanukkah. Judah was one of the five sons of Mattathias, a priest who initiated the revolt. After his father's death, Judah took command and became a symbol of Jewish resistance and independence. His leadership helped establish the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea for several decades.