Therefore did the sons of the Ḥashmonai together with the Israelites
ordain that these eight days be ever celebrated as days of joy and feasting along with the festivals ordained in the Torah; that candles be lit to commemorate the victory they achieved through the God of Heaven;
that it be forbidden to mourn or to decree a fast-day during this period, except such as may have been established previously, and it was further ordained to pray and thank God.
(Only the work in the Sanctuary was not prohibited by the Ḥashmonai and his sons and their brethren.)