There are a lot of misconceptions about Hanukkah out there, most likely because it generally falls at the same time as Christmas. Many non-Jews believe that because Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays in their faith, Hanukkah must be equally important. My family has had co-workers astonished that we were at work on the first night of the holiday, had conversations with people shocked that we didn't attend Synagogue for a special service, or even thought that we must perform some intricate ritual at home (like with the Passover Seder in April) to fulfill the holiday's requirements.
Quite simply, Hanukkah is one of the least important holidays on the Jewish calendar. I honestly can't tell you how many people I have utterly shocked by saying that, but it is very true. Hanukkah commemorates two simultaneous events. In 175 B.C.E. the Syrians invaded Judea, the land that encompasses Jerusalem and Jericho. They demanded that the Jews worship idols and eat pork and killed those that refused. The Syrians looted the Temple and pigs were sacrificed on the altar. A family known as the Maccabees gathered an army to fight the Syrians. The Maccabees eventually won, but when they went to clean and rededicate the Temple they only found one jar of oil, only enough to last one day. The menorah needed to be lit at all times, but it was an eight day journey to bring more oil to the Temple. The menorah was lit anyway and a miracle occurred: the little jar of oil lasted for all eight days. What I find particularly interesting about this holiday is the fact that the war is secondary to the miracle portion of the story. The Rabbis and Sages of ancient times decided that glorifying and commemorating war only fostered a zeal for more fighting, whereas instead focusing on the miracle of the oil brought people together with a peaceful message from God. In modern times, Jews gather with their immediate family to light a hannukiah, a menorah with nine arms instead of the usual seven. We play traditional games with dreidels and gelt and exchange small gifts. We remember and thank the bravery of the Maccabees by spending quality family time together. It's a nice, mellow, moment of peaceful togetherness that I really enjoy. I hope everyone has a nice, peaceful Hanukkah. Chag Sameah v'Hannukah tova!
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April 15, 2023 AuthorMell Eight is an author writing with NSP. For more information about Mell and her writing, please visit her website: http://melleightfiction. Tags
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