The Meaning of Chanukah
Overcoming Extremism
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Chanukah marks the successful three-year revolt of Judah Maccabee (see Israel #209 issued in 1961) against Greco-Syrian rule in 165 B.C.E. (Before the Current Era). Jerusalem and the area of Judea around it had been under Greco-Egyptian rule for 100 years until conquered by the Greco-Syrian kingdom. The latter was intent on creating a unified Hellenistic culture. The Greco-Syrians installed a moderate Hellenist as the High Priest at the Holy Temple and ruler of the area. But when war broke out again between Egypt and Syria, the Syrians installed a more extreme Hellenist.
After a brief overthrow of his rule, the extremist priest regained power and proceeded to install a harsh program, which included denying Jews the practice of their rituals and turning the Holy Temple into a Greek pagan temple by placing a statue of Zeus in it.
This led to Judah Maccabee's successful revolt, which reclaimed the Temple.
It also created a new Jewish kingdom, which lasted almost 100 years until the Romans conquered it. And that's why, for me, and for many others, the holiday serves as a symbol of political freedom and nationalism -- especially remembered for the victory of a small number of Jews against a much larger enemy force (an event replayed more than once with the continued survival of Israel as a nation).
The holiday also stresses the importance of Jews retaining their religious rituals and observances. After the Maccabee victory, they set about reclaiming the Holy Temple. They cleaned it and rededicated it (Chanukah means dedication, according to one interpretation). They then proclaimed that Jews should forever celebrate this event with an eight-day holiday marked by lights. Jewish children lighting Chanukah candles can be seen on Guyana 2972c, part of a 1995 series depicting the celebration of various holidays.
M&D (Menorah & Dreidle)
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