CHRISTMAS begins Thursday, but Hanukkah is already here. Like Christmas, the Jewish festival has a message for all people.
In the bitter cold of the past few days, and in the darkness of the longest night of the year, Hanukkah is a reminder of the power of faith over despair and the triumph of light over darkness.
In Hebrew, “Hanukkah” means “dedication.” The festival commemorates the victory more than 2,100 years ago of the Jewish Macabees over the Seleucids, Syrian Greeks who ruled the Holy Land.
The Jews reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to God. According to the story, when they went to light the menorah, they found there was only enough ritually purified oil to keep the flames burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil kept the menorah alight for eight days, until new oil could be prepared.
This year, the eight-day festival of Hanukkah began at sunset Sunday. On that evening, in Jewish homes around the world, one flame was lit. Tonight, there will be two. On the eighth day, all eight will be lit.
The message of Hanukkah is clear and is especially appropriate in this winter, when the bitter cold seems to reflect the bitter economic news and the cold fear that grips so many people around the world.
Victory over those things which oppress humanity is always possible. No matter how dark the winter, the light will always return — one lamp, one candle, one day at a time.
Happy Hanukkah and merry Christmas. It is the season of light in darkness.
OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...
Great story Pat! I knew about the miracle of the oil, but did not know about the Macabees and Seleucids. It is great to learn something this time of year that is relevant to the holiday season. Hanukkah is a celebration of hope and triumph, something I think everyone could use a little of right now.
December 23, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I agree, great story. I knew only a little about Hannukah, so on Sunday, I looked it up on the Net. What I read about the Macabees and the revolt they led and how it relates to the present day Hannukah was so interesting that I found myself reading on and clicking on links and reading more and more. You did a great job explaining it in only a few words, Pat. Thank you for the sentiments too. Very fitting. Mele Kalikimaka!
December 23, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pbpw (anonymous) says...
And a Hau’oli Makahiki Hou to you.
December 23, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Imua!
December 23, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
navywife (anonymous) says...
i remeber a very entertaining english teacher showing the whole class the traditional hula dance and song Mele Kalikimaki!!
thanks for those wonderful moments create. i hope my children have the opportunity to CREATE memories with their teachers in school.
December 23, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Mahalo, Navy Wife. Yes, I remember and am so happy to hear that you do too. It was all worth it.
December 24, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )