| What is Chanukkah? |
By Sharon White
[Taken from the December 2001 edition of The Puitan Light]
Did you know that Chanukah is mentioned in the New Testament? John 10:22 “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of dedication, and it was winter.” [Chanukah means “dedication.”]
John MacArthur explains the verse as follows: “The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, which celebrates the Israelite victory over the Syrian leader Antiochus, who persecuted Israel. In 170 BC he conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the Jewish temple by setting up a pagan altar to displace the altar of God. Under the leadership of an old priest named Mattathias, the Jews fought against Syria and freed the Temple and the land from Syrian dominance. It was 164 BC on Kislev 25 (December approximately), that the Jews liberated the temple and rededicated it. The celebration is also known as the ‘Feast of lights’ because of the lighting of lamps and candles in Jewish homes to commemorate the event.”
The original incident took place sometime between the Old and New Testaments. Jewish families were not allowed to learn Torah (the Bible), to keep the Sabbath or any of their observances. Some of the Jews succumed to the demands of society and began to live as “Greeks”. Others continued to keep their ways but did them secretly. Children would gather round the Rabbi in caves and homes, to learn Torah. If a Greek soldier came by, they would put away their sacred books and play games such as the one they continue with now - the spinning of the Driedel.
The Jews fought for their faith and eventually overcame the government and society, reclaiming their precious Temple, their Torah, the Sabbaths, etc.
At that point, it came to their attention that there was only enough pure oil to keep the lamps lit for one day. [“And he lighted the lamps before the Lord; as the Lord commanded Moses.” - Ex. 40:25] Someone had to get more oil. The miracle was that the small amount of oil continued to burn for a full eight days until the new stock of oil arrived. The Rabbis decided to have a remembrance of not only the victory but the miracle of the oil. Hence the celebration of Channukah was instituted.
During this time of year many celebrate Christmas. I am sure they cannot even fathom why we would renounce Christmas but embrace Chanukkah. Isn’t this some kind of contradiction? Certainly not! The festival of lights is an incredible historical event which is desperately needed in this day. What is the clear message of Chanukkah?
My readers, we are in danger of assimilating into this current society. Perhaps there is no direct command to forsake our faith, perhaps there is no concern for death or jail time but there is an even greater danger lurking about this earth, which is the pleasure of the things of this life combined with the lack of Biblical knowledge to ward off these evils. “The more Torah that a person knows, the greater the ‘soldier’ in society’s spiritual battles.” - Rabbi Levinstein.
How many of us spend more time watching the 24 hour theater in our living room than reading the Bible? How many of us have succumbed to materialism and forsaken the needs of the poor? How many of us neglect the teaching of Elohim’s law to our precious children and wonder why they leave the faith when they grow up? Haven’t we given them over to the “Greeks?”
Do you realize that just before the horrific Holocaust, many Jews had become part of the German culture in which they lived? Do you realize that many spent more time caring about the things of this life than spiritual matters? Perhaps that is why they did not see the evil which was coming? Perhaps that is why they couldn’t fathom their own government’s desire to murder them all!
Where does it all lead? When the people of Elohim get involved with pagans, no matter how innocent they may seem, there will be serious consequences.
Would you like to know how to celebrate Chanukkah? Here are some ideas:
1. You will need a Mennorah. This is a 9 branched candle holder. There is a spot for 8 candles for each of the nights of Chanukkah and one in the middle, the server, is used to light the rest.
2. On the first night, light one candle. On the second night, light two candles, etc. until the end of the festival.
3. It would be wise to study Scripture each night and discuss how important it is to keep faithful to the Law of Adonai.
4. If possible, get some good books out of the library to read to everyone. I have also found some incredibly inspiring Hanukkah stories on the internet. Some were even about Jews who found a way to keep the celebration while locked up in Bergen - Belsen or in Auschwitz.
5. Many people like to make foods with oil such as Donuts, Latkes and such.
6. Would you like to play the Dreidel game? I just picked up some “gelt”(money). These are chocolate coins covered in foil. They are used in the game. There is an incredibly detailed article about the Dreidle at the following web site:
www.ohr.org.il/special/chanukah/chan95.htm
It is fascinating and full of the entire history of Hanukkah. The Hebrew letters on the Dreidel tell the story “A great miracle happened there.”
The most important thing to remember about this celebration is that it was a spiritual battle. It was the forces of darkness trying to overcome the light. And that is the great miracle of the candles - The light is so powerful that it can do nothing less than destroy the darkness. As you stand over your Chanukkah candles this year, remember to keep your heart pure, to keep it free from the worldly ways. Remember the many battles we have been through to keep our faith. Think of the martyrs. Think of those who died in the Holocaust and take the time to thank Elohim for his great mercy and protection. Thank him for the light. And as you stand there, staring into the flame, remember something which is significant - Never let your candle go out. ~
[Reverend Matthew Henry, 1700’s, says that the feast of dedication was prophesied in Daniel 8:13, 14. Personally, I don’t really understand a lot of prophecy but this is certainly worth pointing out. The passage mentions 2,300 days, which is about 6 years before the “sanctuary” was to be cleansed. Now consider this: John MacArthur said that the Temple was desecrated in the year of 170. He also said the rededication occurred in the year of 164. Was this not the prophesied 6 years?
Rev. Henry says “The celebrating of it was not confined to Jerusalem, as that of the divine feasts was, but everyone observed it in his own place, not as a holy time (it is only a divine institution that can sanctify a day), but as a good time, as the days of Purim (Esth. 9:19).”]
Is it okay to observe man made traditions?
Many of us are completely against keeping any form of celebration which is not clearly commanded in Scripture. How noble! This means we have given up many traditions which were once near and dear to our hearts. But is it okay to enjoy or create new traditions? Isn’t this man’s imagination? And isn’t it wrong? Let us see. . .
The following are traditions of man that I refuse to observe; along with a brief reason:
1. Christmas - I’ve written extensively on this. If you haven’t seen anything against it, or you are a new reader, you can see my article called “A Sad account of Christmas” at the website. Or it is offered in our catalog.
2. Easter - This is a pagan observance full of rituals which are an abomination to Elohim. It is also a manipulated form of keeping Passover. We were clearly told in Scripture to remember Yashua by taking communion on Passover. I know I haven’t written much about this but if you did a search on the internet, I am sure you can do some serious research on the subject.
3. Valentines Day- The fertility goddess full of rituals which are an abomination to Elohim. See any Encyclopedia.
4. Halloween - Obviously
5. Thanksgiving - I have no problem with having a day of thanks but this day was based on the Feast of Tabernacles and has replaced that HOLY time. Therefore, I do not celebrate it. However, it is a good day to study the Pilgrims.
That’s all I can think of right now but let me share with you some traditions of man which I don’t see a problem with:
1. Veterans Day - A day to remember our soldiers who protected us and our country. This is a somber day to give some of our time to honor these great men (and women). It is not a HOLY day but a day of remembrance. Do you see anything wrong with it?
2. Independence Day - This is a historical event which is an excellent and helpful time to study what happened here in America. I do not approve of drunkennes and the majority of the parades, etc. However, it is certainly appropriate to discuss history.
3. Birthdays - I don’t see a problem with acknowledging the anniversary of someone’s birth, particularly children. However, the tradition of blowing out candles, making a wish, etc. is superstitious and a mockery of prayer, in my opinion. I don’t know what the origin of this is but it would be interesting to find out. This is something we don’t do. I also abhor the greed and massive parties which I think are inappropriate.
4. Holocaust day - This is an event we must never forget. I think it is essential to set aside time to study and learn from this horrific nightmare of our world’s history.
This will give you just a general idea about holidays. Let us say that someone graduated from college and you wanted to throw a little party. This is a tradition of man. Therefore, some will reject it. This is unwise. What is wrong with celebrating a happy event in your family? It is the manner in which it is celebrated which could either be an abomination (ex. drinking, gluttony, etc.) or a joy.
In our hearts we long for tradition. We long for celebrations and joyful events. We have been given creative imaginations which, if we used according to Elohim’s laws, can only bring us joy and great memories.
Therefore, my conclusion concerning Chaunnukah is that it is fine to keep as a fun time. It must be clear that it is not one of Elohim’s Holy times. But remember, dear ones, it is in the Bible!! How wonderful! How joyous! It is similar to Purim. Esther 8:17, says that “And in every province, and in every city, withersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.” Purim, as this feast is called, is still kept even to this day! It is a celebration of the deliverance of Elohim over the enemy.
As for feasts, remember the Father, in Scripture, who had a joyous feast when his prodigal son came home? Yes, there are times for feasts and time for celebrations and there are also times to refrain from such observances.
We can go from one extreme to the next - either keeping nothing except what is commanded or keeping everything even what is an abomination. In everything there must be balance and this balance will be ideal when whatever we do, in each moment of our lives, will have the Law of Elohim paramount. It will not be an abomination in His eyes!
And there you have it my readers, enjoy Chanukkah with a merry heart!
Resources:
1. “Chanukkah at Bubbes” (Bubbe means grandmother). This is an adorable video for children ( I enjoy it too!). It is about a Jewish grandmother who runs a boarding house and her grandchildren come for Chanukkah. I loved watching her cook along with them while she explained the meaning of the celebration. There were all kind of characters in the program - one was a very selfish man who wanted to do everything his own way. He was a riot! Another one that amused me was the delivery boy who brought the groceries. He didn’t know anything about Hanukkah and asked “Mrs. Bubbe” questions. He had an interesting hairstyle and the way he talked had us all laughing. This movie is available through Amazon.com. Oh, did I mention they were all puppets? *smile*
2. Lederer - Is a Messianic Jewish ministry which sells books and Jewish materials. This is where we got our first Mennorrah. Their website address is: www.messianicjewish.net
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