All About Chanukah

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About 2,000 years ago, Eretz Israel was occupied by Greek armies that forced the Hebrews to abandon their faith and accept paganism. Judah Maccabee, and his small group of Israelites, rebelled and regained control of The Land. Upon doing so they repaired the Temple and celebrated a festival of praise unto Yahweh. Chanukah is that festival.

Now understanding and celebrating Chanukah is as easy as A,B,C…

A - All about the festival, a simple overview

B - Biblical references concerning the holy day

C - Celebration information on how to make the day special

A All about the festival

- “Chanukah” is Hebrew for “dedication” and is an eight day festival commemorating the rededication of the temple after it was destroyed by the Greeks

- Its a historical celebration of victory over foreign oppressors and paganism

- Chanukah begins on the eve of the 25th of Kislev and is celebrated by Israelites worldwide

- It is also called the “Festival of Lights” and there are various English spellings for the word. The important thing is to pronounce it correctly with a "Chhhh" sound at the beginning and not an "h" sound.

- The story of Chanukah is part fact and part tradition and is based on an actual event that really happened

- During this holiday a special eight branched menorah called a “chanukiah” is lit nightly

- This is a special festival that is found in the Apocrypha, New Testament, and other historical documents yet is not found in Leviticus 23 because it commemorates an event that happened after the Torah was written

- The Messiah kept the “Festival of Lights” in Yochannan 10:22-23, 8:12, and 9:5

- It should not be considered the “Jewish Christmas”

- During this time a special candy called “gelt” is eaten and shared. Gelt is chocolate wrapped gold coins usually with a menorah or a star of David on them.

- This is a festive time to remember Yahweh and celebrate being His

- Chanukah can be found in the Torah, as the twenty-fifth Hebrew word in the Scriptures is “ohr” or “light.” Remember that Chanukah starts on the 25th of Kislev.

- A short overview of the story of Chanukah is as follows: Hanukkah is an eight-day festival, commemorating the historic victory of the Maccabee family over the Syrian tyrant, Antiochus, in the 2nd century B.C. After conquering Jerusalem, to show his utter contempt for the Holy One of Israel, Antiochus sacrificed a pig on the altar and put to death any Jewish people who dared to observe the commands of Torah. Basically, Antiochus declared that everyone had to become Greek and no one could study Torah or continue in true worship. Judah Maccabee, son of Mattathias, an Hasmonean priest, lead a revolt against this man and his Hellenistic oppression. Noted for courage and military genius, Judah led an outnumbered, unskilled guerilla army to a decided victory over superior Syrian forces. Upon entering Jerusalem, they cleansed and rededicated the Temple. In honor of this victory, an eight-day festival was begun. Judah Maccabee has become a popular folk hero, a symbol of religious freedom and national liberation. The hero of Hanukkah plays, poems, and songs, he is considered a type of the Jewish warrior in modern Israel, he symbolizes many military victories over great odds. Tradition interprets the name "Maccabee" to mean "hammer," a symbol of Judah's might and the power of the Israeli people.

- Chanukah not only commemorates this military victory but also a tradition/legend about the miracle of oil. According to legend, after the Maccabee family gained control of the desecrated temple they found only one undefiled cruse of oil. Tradition tells us that one day supply lasted a full eight days thus keeping the temple menorah lit while allowing time to consecrate more oil. That is why this is an eight day festival and the menorah has eight branches.

- Chanukah is spoken of in the book of Dani’el and several Talmudic writings

- Chanukah is also believed to be the time when the Messiah was conceived. If you start on the 25th of Kislev and count back nine and a half months then you come to the time of Sukkot, when the Messiah is believed to be born of the virgin Miriam.

- Chapters 9-10 of Yochanan are deemed by Messianic scholars, including Dr. David Stern, to have taken place during the time of Chanukah.

- The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new series of "Holiday Celebration" stamps in 1996 with the debut of the first stamp commemorating the holiday of Chanukah. These stamps are available each year starting in the month of November.

B Biblical references concerning the holy day

- Yochannan 10:22-23, “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Yahshua walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”

- Yochannan 12:35, “Then Yahshua said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”

- Dani’el 8:23-25, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

- Dani’el 12:11-13, “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”

- I Maccabees 1:21-24, “Insolently breaking into the Sanctuary, he removed the golden altar and the lampstand for the light with all its fittings, together with the table for the loaves of permanent offering, the libation vessels, the cups, the golden censers, the veil, the crowns, and the golden decoration on the front of the Temple, which he stripped of everything. He made off with the silver and gold and precious vessels; he discovered the secret treasures and seized them and, removing all these, he went back to his own country, having shed much blood and utter words of extreme arrogance."

- I Maccabees 4:2-7, “They found the sanctuary deserted, the altar desecrated, the gates burn down, and vegetation growing in the courts as it might in a wood or on some mountain, while the storerooms were in ruins. They tore their garments and mourned bitterly, putting dust on their heads. They prostrated themselves on the ground, and when the trumpets gave the signal, they cried aloud to Heaven."

- I Maccabees 4:52-59, "On the 25th of the ninth month, Kislev, in the year 164 BCE, they rose at dawn and offered a lawful sacrifice on the new altar of burn offering which they had made. The altar was dedicated, to the sound of hymns, zithers, lyres and cymbals, at the same time of year and on the same day on which the gentiles had originally profaned it. The whole people fell prostrate in adoration and then praised Heaven who had granted them success. For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar, joyfully offering burn offerings, communion and thanksgiving sacrifices. They ornamented the front of the Temple with crowns and bosses of gold, renovated the gates and storerooms, providing the latter with doors. There was no end to the rejoicing among the people, since the disgrace inflicted by the gentiles had been effaced. Judas, with his brothers and the whole assembly of Israel, made it a law that the days of the dedication of the altar should be celebrated yearly at the proper season, for eight days beginning on the 25th of the month Kislev, with rejoicing and gladness."

- Shabbat 21b: "Our rabbis taught: On the 25th day of Kislev begin the eight days of Chanukah, on which lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oil in it, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed over them and defeated them, they searched and found only one bottle of oil sealed by the High Priest. It contained only enough for one day's lighting. Yet a miracle was brought about with it, and they lit (with the oil) for eight days. The following year they were established as a festival, with Hallel and Thanksgiving."

- Antiquities of the Jews by Josephus, Book 12 Chapter 5, “And when the king had built an idol altar upon G/d’s altar, he slew swine upon it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the Jewish religious worship in that country. He also compelled them to forsake the worship which they paid their own G/d, and to adore those whom he took to be gods; and made them build temples, and raise idol altars in every city and village, and offer swine upon them every day. He also commanded them not to circumcise their sons, and threatened to punish any that should be found to have transgressed his injunction. He also appointed overseers, who should compel them to do what he commanded. And indeed many Jews there were who complied with the king’s commands, either voluntarily, or out of fear of the penalty that was denounced. But the best men, and those of the noblest souls, did not regard him, but did pay a greater respect to the customs of their country than concern as to the punishment which he threatened to the disobedient; on which account they every day underwent great miseries and bitter torments; for they were whipped with rods, and their bodies were torn to pieces, and were crucified, while they were still alive, and breathed. They also strangled those women and their sons whom they had circumcised, as the king had appointed, hanging their sons about their necks as they were upon the crosses. And if there were any sacred book of the law found, it was destroyed, and those with whom they were found miserably perished also.”

- SPECIAL NOTE: The above references to the Apocrypha, Talmud, and Josephus under the heading “Biblical References” is to no way insinuate that any of these writings are equal to the 66 books of the Bible or are 100% divinely inspired. Rather they are listed here as documented references in this section for the benefit of the reader.

C Celebration information

- There are many traditions surrounding this holiday. You can use these, adapt them to fit your family, or start your own.

- This is a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate being Israel.

- Tzedekah, or gifts to the poor, can also be given during this season.

- Chanukah is eight days to rejoice in being Yahweh’s special people and the victory we have over paganism and anti-torah living. It is about the spiritual survival over many who have liked to destroy Israel through culturaral assimilation.

- More recently the custom of gift giving has become a major part in this festival.

- Each night you are to light the candle called the “shamash” candle first. “Shamash” is Hebrew for “servant” and is used to light the other candles. The “shamash” is the highest candle in most menorahs – just another reminder that in Yahweh’s kingdom the servant is the greatest.

- Some groups light the candles from right to left, while others light the menorah from left to right. You can even start your own tradition and light all the candles each night.

- It is tradition to place a menorah in the window so others can be blessed by seeing it. (an electric menorah is perfect for this) Some people believe that everyone in the home should light their own menorah while other families just have one menorah.

- The menorah does not have to be lit by a women. Men or children, or whoever can light the candles each night.

- Another tradition is to eat fried foods cooked in oil. This is a reminder of the oil miracle and is certainly one of the most favorite part of the holiday. Jelly doughnuts sefganiots and potato pancakes called “latkes” are cooked at Chanukah. A recipe for latkes is as follows:

Ingredients:

2 eggs

3 cups grated, drained potatoes

4 tablespoons of grated onions

¼ tablespoon of pepper

2 tablespoons of cracker or matzah meal

½ cup of oil or butter

Directions:

Beat the eggs and add the potatoes, onion, salt, pepper and meal. Heat half the oil or butter in a frying pan and drop the potato mixture into it by the tablespoon. Fry until browned on both sides. Keep pancakes hot until all are fried and add more oil or butter as required. This serves 8 people and tastes great with applesauce or sour cream.

- Children of all ages play a special game called “dreydel” during Chanukah. Here is the history and short instructions on how to play the game. The following is from an unknown source:

The traditional game of Chanukah uses a dreydel, a four-sided top with the Hebrew letters Nun, Gimmel, Hey, and Shin. These are the first letters of "Nes Gadol Haya Sham - - A Great Miracle Happened There." In Israel, the last letter is a Pay -- for "here." In times of persecution when learning Torah was forbidden, the Hebrews would learn anyway. When the enemy soldiers would investigate, the Israelites would pull out the dreidel and pretend that they were gambling. This is really fun to play with candy gelt to bet with or just to see who can spin it the longest.

The rules for playing dreydel are if it lands on the certain side you do the certain action:
* Nun -- no one wins. (Nun means none)
* Gimmel -- spinner takes the pot. (Gimmel gets it all)
* Hey -- spinner get half the pot. (Hey gets half )
* Shin/Pay -- spinner puts two in the pot! (Shin, shin, put two in)

- There are many classic songs that are sung during Chanukah. You can purchase Chanukah cds and music with songs of the season that will help in your celebration. One classic Chanukah song is the Hymn “Rock of Ages.” Here are the words to that song:

Ma-oz tzur Yahshua ti l’cha na-eh le’sha bey-ach

Tikon bet t’fi-la-ti, v’sham to-da n’za be-ach

Let ta-chin matbeach mi-tzar ham’na be-ach

Az eg-mor b’shir miz-mor, cha-nu-kat ha-miz-bey-ach

Az eg-mor b’shir miz-mor, cha-nu-kat ha-miz-bey-ach

Rock of ages, let our song praise thy saving power

Thou, amidst the raging foes was our saving tower

Furious, they assailed us, but thine arm availed us

And Thy Word broke their sword when our own strength failed us

- Here are some suggested readings for each night of Chanukah. Tradition is to read the book of Maccabees, yet here are some readings from the Torah. You can read these alone or aloud with a group or your family and then discuss the meaning of each passage:

Night One: Isaiah 60:19

Night Two: Psalm 119:105, 130 & Proverbs 6:23

Night Three: Matthew 5: 16 and Luke 11:33

Night Four: Luke 11:34 & Acts 26:18

Night Five: John 1:4-5, 8:12, 12:35-36

Night Six: Acts 26:12-18

Night Seven: Ephesians 5:8-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9,

Night Eight: 1 John 1:5-9, Philippians 2:14-16

- There are specific blessings spoken during Chanukah. One of these is spoken while lighting the menorah and the others during the night. They are as follows:

Baruch atah Yahweh Eloheynu melech ha olam asher kid’shanu

b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukkah.

Blessed are You Yahweh our Elohim, ruler of the universe,

who sanctifies us by your commandments and

permits us to kindle the lights of Chanukkah.

Baruch atah Yahweh Eloheynu melech ha olam,

sheh-asah nissim l’avoteynu ba-yamim ha-haym baz’man hazeh

Blessed are You, Yahweh our Elohim, ruler of universe,

who worked miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this time.

Baruch atah Yahweh Yahweh Eloheynu melech ha olam

she-heh-chi-yanu v’key’manu v’hee-gee-anu laz’man ha-zeh

Blessed are you, Yahweh our Elohhim, ruler of the Universe, who keeps us alive, who supports the unfolding of our uniqueness, and who has enabled us to reach this season

Here’s a recipe for dreydel cookies!

Ingredients:

1/2 c. butter or vegetable shortening

1 c. sugar

1 egg1 tsp. grated orange peel

2 tbsp. orange juice

1 c. ground Brazil nuts

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

Instructions:

1. Cream together butter or shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Stir in egg, orange peel, orange juice, and Brazil nuts.

3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture.

4. Mix well.

5. Stir in almond flavoring.

6. Chill several hours.

7. Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board.

8. Cut into "dreydel" shapes.

9. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets in a moderate oven, 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. If using 2-inch cookie cutters, makes about 5 dozen cookies.