Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Chanukah, like most Jewish holidays and observances, is viewed through many lenses. Sometimes it depends on time, sometimes on place, sometimes on context, sometimes on an individual’s frame of mind. But from celebrations to articles, to speeches about the holiday, it is clear that Chanukah is a prism through which the lights of the holiday shine and reflect light to a lot of different places.
These are the Chanukah holidays that some to my mind:
Chanukah as recognition of God’s hand in the world – Simply stated, this Chanukah recognizes miracles in the world. There are events that cannot be explained away simply. We all have examples, although we may or may not choose to see them as Godly. Nonetheless, this particular Chanukah sees God’s hand in the victory of the ancient Maccabees and in the burning of a container’s worth of oil for eight days.
Chanukah as celebration of religious freedom – We look at Antiochus IV’s attempts to outlaw significant Jewish practices. The victory of the Maccabean army reestablished the right of traditional Jewry to their practice, including the rituals of the Temple. It ignores the question of whether the Hellenized Jews or other groups walked away with religious freedom. Because mostly, we don’t know. Still, there is something to be said for this version of the holiday and it plays well in public forums, such as interfaith gatherings and public schools.
Chanukah as freedom from oppression – This Chanukah recognizes that the Maccabees broke free of foreign rule and asserted the right to self-governance. It is an inspiration to all who stand for the right of a people to choose their own destiny.
Thanks for posing your question – It just sparked my own blog. Hope your Hanukah is filled with light!
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Great question Arnie! For me, the meaning had evolved with time. The more I research on the subject, the more the original Hasmonean /Maccabees resemble today’s Haredim to me. For me Hanukkah has the meaning for spiritual and physical survival of Am Israel. It is the constant struggle between a dominant power upon a minority.
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