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CHANUKAH
Miracles and Rededication

by Rabbi Adam Miller

W inter may not bring extreme cold or snow to our area,
but even in Southwest Florida, winter time means
less daylight, and more darkness. Perhaps that is why
we enjoy seeing the twinkling lights of holiday decorations

around our community. This year there are even more lights

shining, as the holidays of Chanukah and Christmas overlap.

The simple question, “What is Chanukah?” will elicit a dif-

ferent answer depending on who you ask:

• The Festival of Lights – bringing brightness at the darkest

time of the year

• A celebration of the Maccabees victory over the

Syrian-Greeks

• Remembering the miracles that occurred – the jar of oil

that lasted for eight days, as well as the victory of the few

over the many

All three are correct, and reflect the wonderful history of

Chanukah. More than 2,100 years ago, the Syrian-Greeks, Generations later the celebration of Chanukah evolved

led by King Antiochus IV, sought to conquer and Hellenize with the addition of a new story about the Maccabees

the land of Israel. Demanding that the Israelites not only pay finding a single jar of holy oil. Thinking it would last

tribute, but also forfeit their culture, religion and ethnicity, led only one day, the oil lasted for eight nights, until more oil

to a rebellion. Sparked by Mattathias, and in particular his son could arrive. Adding that miracle to the holiday, families

Judah, a group of Israelite warriors skirmished with the larger began lighting Chanukah menorahs, candelabras, adding

Greek forces. Lacking the weaponry and sophisticated military one candle for each night. A celebration of freedom to

experience of their enemy, Judah employed guerilla tactics to practice one’s religion, as well as adding light to the world

inflict damage and frustrate the oppressors. His courage and at a time of darkness. Hence the lights we see in the win-

strength earned him the moniker – Judah Maccabee, Judah dows of homes during the holiday of Chanukah. And the

the Hammer. same lights that one can see at the Community Chanukah

When it became apparent that cost of victory would be celebration organized by the Jewish Federation of Collier

too high, Antiochus conceded, and withdrew his forces. Judah County on December 26th at Mercato.

and his followers, the Maccabees, celebrated their miraculous The theme of rededication, particularly in the face of

victory over the larger army. But upon returning to the Temple challenge, is one that resonates with all of us. Whether

in Jerusalem, they found it badly desecrated. They managed to you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or other holidays,

salvage enough supplies to rededicate the Temple, and observe may you find the strength of spirit to rededicate yourself

the eight-day harvest festival of Sukkot, that included festivi- to the things that matter most in your life –family, friends,

ties around large lit bowls of oil. Chanukah literally means and faith. For the real miracle is that we are here to expe-

rededication and refers to the rededication of the Temple, rience another day.

as well as the renewed rededication of the Israelites to their May all your days in the New Year ahead be filled with

culture and faith. light, peace, laughter, and blessing.

88 Life in Naples | December 2016