P'shat in II Maccabees...

For the past few months I've been mulling over an issue concerning II Maccabees explicit mentioning of the Jews taking lulav and estrog during chanukah. I understand that while under Greek control we were unable to bring korbanos, but how could the Jewish people ignore / overrule the explicit command to celebrate sukkos during sukkos and not any other time of year?

Then, I stumbled across this article. In short, the answer I came across is that the lulav and estrog were not just spiritual tools taken up with the commencing of sukkos but they were also symbols of military success ~ a very apropos banner to parade the Maccabees  victory over Yerushalaim. 

Thank you Dr. Fine for the contribution.....


Alternatively, you can stick with the Aruch Hashulchan in halacha ה