Chanukkah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish Festival of Dedication, also known as the "Festival of Lights.” It is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which typically falls in November or December on our calendar. Although this Jewish festival in not mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), it is referenced 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).

The holiday of Chanukkah celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. It begins in the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt, and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs, and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.

More than 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV rose to power in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (an unclean animal) on the altar. One of the groups which opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias (Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee (“The Hammer”).

This small band of pious Jews from the priestly family of Levi 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 December 164 BC. The Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles, defiled and desecrated by foreign soldiers.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah (the Seven Branched Lamp), 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 dedicated and sanctified. 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 Chanukah features the lighting of a special Hanukkah 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 Yeshua 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 Yeshua was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon” (John 10:22-23).

During this great season of remembering miracles, Yeshua 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 works and His true character clearly demonstrated who He was.

Yeshua said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). The Lord Yeshua 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” (Matthew 5:16).

We believe that Yeshua was born during the Feast of Sukkoth that is around September-October each year, so it is most probable that  Miryam was visited by Gabriel the Archangel during the season of Hanukkah and that Yeshua was conceived right then. In that sense  Miryam became the human temple where the Light of the World was conceived.

You can celebrate Hanukkah with special worship services full of rejoicing and share about the importance of Yeshua as the Light of the World, of Israel as a Chosen Nation and of the Bride of Messiah as a Holy Temple made out of Living Stones.

Some of the traditions include the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah each night of Hanukkah (adding candles according to the number of the day), special fun games for the kids, eating oily foods such as donuts and others (careful with these!) and giving simple sweet gifts to each other as a sign of joy and celebration like during the Feast of Purim (Esther)

Since all gentile believers are grafted into an Israeli Olive Tree (Romans 11) and are part of the Commonwealth of Israel, Israel’s history should be important enough to be celebrated and marked as special. There is much to learn from the courage of the Macabbeans that preferred to risk their lives rather than succumb to idolatry and paganism and howonly a few faithful to YHVH  can overcome the many. May we all be “Macbbeans” to that effect! And please remember that we are the Living Temple of the Holy Spirit and called to crucify our flesh and die to self so Yeshua’s LIGHT and ANOINTING will burn bright and clear!

A HAPPY, BLESSED AND HOLY HANUKKAH!
Your friends in Israel
Rabbi Baruch and Bishop Dominiquae Bierman