Always loved the story of Hanukkah. The kids used to think they wanted to only celebrate Hanukkah because you got presents for 8 days. LOL. I think they missed the point of the story. But, hey ... they're kids! ;o) Here's a nice article about Hanukkah:
By Heather Augustyn - Times Correspondent Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Times of Northwestern Indiana:
The importance of religious freedom -- recognized in the Hanukkah celebration -- remains as relevant today as when the Maccabees defended themselves against the Syrians 2,100 years ago, two local rabbis said.
Hanukkah is an eight-day festival of light that commemorates an historical event that happened over 21 centuries ago when the Maccabees, a small group of people who followed the Jewish faith defeated the Syrians so they could practice their religion without persecution.
When their temple was destroyed by the Syrians, they rebuilt it and rededicated it by lighting the temple's menorah with enough oil for one day, but the light burned for eight days.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and those of the Jewish faith light a single candle for each of eight nights.
The 2009 Hanukkah celebration began Friday night at sundown, and Shoshana Feferman, rabbi at Temple Israel in Valparaiso, said that even though children frequently receive gifts for each of the eight days, the holiday is really about freedom.
"Hanukkah is not all about gifts, although it became commercial because of Christmas. It's about freedom of religion so that's what we focus on. It's a historical holiday to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, the victory of the few over the many, the victory of enlightenment over ignorance," Feferman said.
Although Hanukkah isn't as important as other high holidays in the Jewish religion, such as Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana, the holiday is a fun time of year, Feferman said.
"Even Jews who are not religious like to celebrate it because of the joy it brings because it is the darkest time of the year, and it's nice to have a little party and celebrate. So even people who may come to synagogue only once a year like to celebrate it and wish people happy Hanukkah," she said.
Michael Steinberg, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, said Hanukkah brings an important message to not only Jews, but all people of the world.
"Most of the Jewish holidays we have are about freedom. Hanukkah is the story of freedom. ... Does that relate to what is happening in the world today? Of course. Human beings are slaves to many things in life, aren't we?" Steinberg said.
He said allowing each other the same freedom that is celebrated by the tradition of Hanukkah will be a gift far greater than any wrapped trinket.
"I think we should all aspire to create a world where everyone is respected no matter what life path we come from," he said.
4 comments:
I really did not know the whole story of Hannakuh. Thank you for this Tink.
Freedom... is the gift! absolutely. I wish Christmas to was not so commercialized, it lets some people forget the true meaning. ...and respect, another thing whole living things should be able to enjoy.
xo
Yes, Happy Chanukah to Jewish friends. While it may not be a "high holiday", it certainly comes at the right time of year in the northern hemisphere - but sadly - pop culture has gotten in the way of its true meaning, as with Christmas.
I agree Grace, lets remember the true meaning of these religious days.
Lesley
xx
It is a lovely and meaningful holiday in this time of darkness and a time to appreciate our freedoms. Thanks Tink!
My daughter wrote a paper just this past week on the commercialization of Christmas.
And I recently re-read Earl Hamner, Jr's The Homecoming -- such a simple and nostalgic holiday read.
Thank you Grace, Lesley, and Lucy! Lovely comments and thoughts.
xo
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