Chanukah, the Festival of Lights (December 6-December14)
The story of the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian Greeks is not included in the Hebrew Bible (a.k.a. the “Old Testament”). However, the Apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, and the historical writings of Flavius Josephus, capture the essence of the Jewish rebellion against Hellenism in the 2nd century B.C.E. Later, the Rabbis of the Talmud, in the early centuries of the Common Era, described the miracle of the oil. When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, there was only 1 day’s measure of proper oil, yet miraculously it burned for the entire 8 days of their festival. Whether one believes literally in that ancient miracle, it is fitting at this season to celebrate God’s presence in our lives, as we kindle the lights of Chanukah.
Chanukah is in fact what we call a “Minor Festival” in Jewish calendar. Like Purim, when we read the Biblical book of Esther, we have joyful celebrations. However, we are not asked to abstain from work and everyday responsibilities, as we do with our fall High Holy Days and “Major Festivals” like Passover in the spring. The celebratory co-exists with the ordinary.
As Chanukah in North America has developed against the backdrop of Christmas, this blending of sacred and every day is an apt metaphor for our modern Chanukah rituals. Some resist the gift-giving and other borrowed traditions as unnecessary assimilation to the Christmas holiday culture. Yet others embrace the festive celebration, when Jewish children eagerly share their own 8-day celebration as a symbol of pride in their Jewish identity.
Whatever your motivation and understanding of Chanukah, at this joyful time of year, we can all appreciate the religious freedom of our society. That we can all enjoy and celebrate each other’s religious cultures, is a true miracle indeed.
Gust Blogger: Rabbi Debra Stahlberg Dressler, Temple Israel of London.rabbi.dressler@templeisraellondon.ca