Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish leader 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 prowess and strategic battles that aimed to restore Jewish worship in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His leadership helped to reclaim the temple and establish a period of Jewish independence. Judas is often celebrated during the festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the temple after its desecration. His legacy is significant in Jewish history, symbolizing resistance against oppression and the fight for religious freedom.