We repeat the story of Chanukah every year, from generation to generation. It is a great great story! So, again: 2200
hundred years ago, without the wonders of modern technology, and social
media/networking, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, (et al), just imagine this: a small group of Jewish rebels, led by the Maccabee band of Brothers (love those boys) stood, up to the
Greek kings who were forcing the Jewish people to worship their gods and
Greek idols in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem....hence, the wondrous
resistance and the miracle of the purified oil...given all the upheaval
we see around the world, even today, this story may sound
somewhat familiar...here is their story:
About 2200 years ago, Greek kings, who reigned from Damascus, ruled over the land of Judea and the Jews living there. One Greco-Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, forbade the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah. Antiochus forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. It is said that he placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression.The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is one reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the enemy army and Judah tells them to have faith that God is on their side:
About 2200 years ago, Greek kings, who reigned from Damascus, ruled over the land of Judea and the Jews living there. One Greco-Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, forbade the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah. Antiochus forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. It is said that he placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression.The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is one reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the enemy army and Judah tells them to have faith that God is on their side:
"But
when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said unto Judah:
'What? shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so
great and strong a multitude? ...' And Judah said: 'It is an easy thing
for many to be shut up in the hands of a few, and there is no
difference in the sight of Heaven to save by many or by few; for
victory in battle standeth not in the multitude of an host, but
strength is from Heaven. They come unto us in fullness of insolence and
lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, for to
spoil us; but we fight for our lives and our laws. And He Himself will
discomfort them before our face; but as for you, be yet not afraid of
them."
(The First Book of Maccabees)
(The First Book of Maccabees)
Against great odds, after three years of fighting,
the Maccabees succeeded to drive the Greco-Syrians out of Judea.
Chanukah proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might,
not by power, but by My spirit." Chapter 4:6
The
Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They cleaned the
Temple, removing the Greek symbols and statues. When Judah and his
followers finished cleaning the temple, they rededicated
it. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev in 164 BCE, the Temple was
purified and rededicated. According to tradition, when the Maccabees
entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had
defiled the oil which was used to Temple's menorah. Only one vat of
purified oil remained - enough for only one day. It would take the Jews
a week to process more purified oil. Then a miracle occurred. The Maccabees lit the menorah and it burned for not one, but eight days,
by which time the new, purified oil was ready. This is why the
Chanukah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shamash candle
used to light the others) and one reason why Jews celebrate Chanukah
for eight days!!!
Happy Chanukah!
Happy Festival of Lights!!
This is our Menorah, which holds the drippings from the candles of Chanukah past, as we prepare the light the first candle tonight @ sundown!
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