What is Hanukkah?

Response

Chanukkah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish Festival of Dedication, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” It is an eight-day festival starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, usually falling in November or December on our calendar. While this Jewish festival is not mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), it is cited in the Talmud: “On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight… these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving” (Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud).

Chanukkah is likely one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, not due to significant religious importance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews perceive this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting various Christmas traditions like elaborate gift-giving and decorations. Ironically, this holiday, rooted in a revolt against assimilation and the oppression of Jewish religion and people, has evolved into the most assimilated, secular holiday on the Jewish calendar.

The holiday of Chanukkah commemorates events that occurred over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, now Israel. It commences during the rule of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt, and Israel, yet permitted the regions under his control to maintain their own religions and some autonomy. Under this relatively tolerant rule, many Jews embraced aspects of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, customs, and attire of the Greeks, similar to how Jews in America today integrate into secular American society.

Over 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV seized power in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, installing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, forbidding the practice of the Jewish religion, and defiling the Temple byRequiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. One of the groups that opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias (Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee (“The Hammer”).

This small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but the Maccabees succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. According to historical accounts, Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem in about December 165 BC. The Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles, defiled, and desecrated by foreign soldiers.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and rededicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to relight the Menorah (the multi-branched lampstand), they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought. From then on, Jews everywhere have observed a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. The observance of Chanukkah features the lighting of a special Chanukkah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.

In the Brit Chadasha (The New Covenant), in the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, was at the Holy Temple during the “feast of dedication” or Chanukkah: “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon” (John 10:22-23).

During this great season of remembering miracles, Jesus pointed out to His listeners that the miracles He had done authenticated His claim that He was indeed the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (see John 10:37-38). His worksand His true character clearly demonstrated who He was.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life” «Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. », (John 8:12). The Lord Jesus gives all of us, Jew and Gentile, the “light of life.” And He commanded us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” «Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. », (Matthew 5:16).

Should Christians celebrate Chanukkah today? First, be mindful of the fact that we are under no obligation or “law” to celebrate any of the Jewish festivals given to Israel in the Torah (Law of Moses). But to all true Believers in Jesus Christ, especially those who have a profound appreciation for the Hebraic roots of our Christian faith, celebrating the “true light” of this world only seeks to glorify our wonderful Lord and Savior.

As Christians, we can celebrate the “Festival of Lights” as we rededicate our lives to Christ and acknowledge Him as the perfect and true light of this world. As believers, when we celebrate Chanukkah it reminds us of God’s wonderful miracles on our behalf. It reminds us of God’s protection throughout our lives. It reminds us to remain true to God even when the world around us tries to force us into assimilation.

Jesus told us that whoever follows Him will not have darkness, but the Light of Life. What a wonderful time of the year to remember and commemorate the great miracle that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.