| Hanukkah 2000: Might, Light and Unity | |
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©
1999 Giora Shimoni
Miracles of Might
and Light
Hanukkah is a celebration of two miracles.
The First and Second Book
of Maccabees record the miraculous victory of a small, but determined, group of
Jewish fighters over the large and powerful Greco-Syrian army. Against great odds,
Judah Maccabee and his followers succeeded to win religious freedom and national
independence for the Jews of Judea in 164 BCE.
The Talmud puts more emphasis
on the miracle of the oil in its discussion of Hanukkah. When the Jewish fighters
entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greco-Syrians,
they found only one jar of pure oil. While this oil was enough to keep the Temple
Menorah lit for one day, it miraculously burnt for eight days until more purified
oil could be brought to the Temple. The Jews cleansed and rededicated the Temple.
Celebration of Light and Might
In celebrating Hanukkah,
different generations of Jews have chosen to focus on different aspects of the
story to make it most relevant to their lifetimes.
During the rabbinic
period, the Hasmonean family (Macabees) was out of favor. As a priestly family
(Kohanim) and not as descendents of King David, the rabbis believed the Hasmonean
family should not have appointed themselves to be rulers of Judea. Consequently,
the miracle of the oil was celebrated and the Hasmonean military victory was given
little attention. When the Talmud asks "What is Hanukkah," the answer focuses
on the miracle of the oil.
Then during the Zionist period, the late 19th
and early 20th century, the story of the Maccabean victory became central to the
Chanukah celebration. The Zionists waved the heroism of the Maccabees as an example
of how strong Jews could achieve political independence in their homeland. Throughout
the history of the modern State of Israel, many Israelis have considered Hanukkah
to be a patriotic celebration of a war of liberation.
Crisis in Israel
and Chanukah 2000
Benyamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister,
has called the crisis in Israel today one of the worst in Israeli history. Over
300 people - teenagers throwing stones, soldiers and policemen doing their jobs,
mothers driving in their cars, children traveling to school, and many others -
have been killed or injured in the last three months. The violence is the result
of a peace process which raised expectations and hopes and created disappointments
and frustrations. And the violence is not likely to end until the expectations
and hopes are changed or fulfilled.
Given this dismal situation, will
the Might or Light Theme dominate the celebration of Hanukkah 2000?
Imagine
what Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak of Hebron will tell his orthodox congregants this Hanukkah.
The Palestinians, their brothers in the Arab world, their allies in Europe and
the United States, and even left-wing Israelis are all forces threatening the
God-given right of Jews to live in their homeland - just like the Greco-Syrians
of the Hanukkah story. Most of today's Jews, especially those who are lighting
their menorahs next to their Christmas trees, have abandoned Judaism and betrayed
them (the settlers) - just like the Hellenized Jews of the Hanukkah story. Perhaps
the rabbi will make some reference to the need to replace Ehud Barak with a leader
such as Ariel Sharon who will have the strength to overcome the dark forces -
like Judah Maccabee. Just like the men and women who followed Judah Maccabee,
Jews today will be victorious if they maintain unwavering faith in God and show
their might.
In contrast, imagine what Rabbi Susan Goldberg of Los Angeles
will tell her reform congregants this Hanukkah. Palestinians believe they are
fighting today for their liberation from a foreign oppressor - just as Jews fought
for their liberation in the Hanukkah story. For everyone's sake, Israelis and
Palestinians must make peace. Understanding, not force, will lead to peace. Light,
not might, will lead to victory. A true and lasting peace can be achieved only
after Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims, see and understand each others'
lights. When kindling Hanukkah lights, congregants should think about how they
can better understand the lights of others.
Some Jews believe peace can
best be achieved through a show of strength, and other Jews believe peace can
best be achieved through showing understanding. Nevertheless, Jews throughout
the world will be praying for peace this Hanukkah. Perhaps a prayer for Jewish
unity should also be recited.
~
Lisa Katz
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