Although Chanukah is perhaps the Jewish holiday that is
most widely observed, it might also be the most widely
misunderstood. Two factors contribute to this: 1-Its proximity
on the calendar to Xmas, 2-the nationalistic and political
overtones that the holiday seems to have for Jews today when the
country of Israel has been established and raises the banner of
the "maccabi'im."
The first factor has led many Jews into a kind of "keeping
up with the Jones'" syndrome, singling out this holiday for
giving gifts and engaging in parties and get-togethers, as if
Chanukah was the Jewish version of Xmas. Chanukah has been
named "the festival of lights," when in truth these days are not
a real festival at all, as opposed to the holidays of Pesach and
Rosh Hashana, amongst others.
The second factor has led many to believe that the wars of
the Maccabi'im were wars of independence and great military
victories engineered by accomplished soldiers and generals and
resulting in the establishment of a Jewish state, etc.
A look at Jewish law and tradition reveals that the
exchanging of gifts on Chanukah is barely mentioned (Purim is a
much more appropriate time for that), however great emphasis is
made about the distribution of alms to the needy, a practice
which seems to have been forgotten by most. Parties are also
questionable, mention is made of getting together to discuss and
publicize the miracles of Chanukah so as to give thanks to G-d,
but social gatherings as such have little to do with this holiday.
The reason for the uprising of the Maccabi'im was a
religious one, a reaction to the tyranny of the Greeks who ruled
the Holy Land at that time, and insisted upon forcing heathen
customs and rituals upon the Jews. They also forbade many
important forms of Jewish observance including circumcision, as
well as erecting idols in prominent public places and holy
spots. The maccabi'im were not warriors but a family of
prominent rabbis and scholars who began a sort of guerrilla
warfare against the Greeks, more as a form of protest than a
tactical maneuver. They went on the attack in small numbers
with not much more than sticks and stones for weapons, but their
fervent prayers and great devotion to their cause brought them
victories that were unexpected to they themselves. In the end
they achieved significant gains and were successful in
abolishing many of the Grecian outrages. They established a
semi-independent kingdom to ensure that they would be free to
practice the faith of their forefathers without hindrance.
The miracle of the oil, which occurred near the end of
these battles, was interpreted by the sages of the period as
sign that G-d was pleased with their efforts. As such, the
eight days were set aside as a time for rejoicing in the
victories that allowed them to return to complete and
uninhibited fulfillment of all the Torah practices, and in the
knowledge that G-d had seen fit to perform a miracle for them.
The point is that Chanukah is a religious celebration,
wherein we celebrate victories and miracles that helped us to
preserve our Jewish laws and customs, that were already ancient
at the time of the first Chanukah. (around 200 b.c.e.). It's
ironic that today many Jews use this great holiday as an excuse
to emulate other traditions or nationalistic movements. We have
a great legacy of our own, we don't have to borrow from others.
FOUND THIS ARTICLE INTERESTING? MORE EXPLANATION OF JEWISH LAWS
AND TRADITIONS IN PLAIN, LOGICAL TERMS IS AVAILABLE (FREE OF
CHARGE) THROUGH MICHAEL NACHISON, COMPUSERVE 76620,3135 OR IN
WRITING FROM - TORAH-TECH FOUNDATION, 87 GROVE ST. MONSEY N.Y.
10952. (PRIVATE PERSON, NOT AFFILIATED WITH LUBAVITCH
ORGANIZATION).