Rabbi Shafran correctly writes that the origins of Chanukah are rooted in religious zeal and fervor, not pluralism and open-mindedness. However, the Rabbis of the Talmud downplayed the specific role of the Maccabees and their attendant zealotry in favor of focusing on a miracle of oil and the restoration of the Temple. This is a lesson in reinterpretation. The Talmudic view was one of inspiration and national pride, not religious zealotry. In fact, Jewish holidays, even Biblical holidays are often reinterpreted in Orthodox Jewish thought to incorporate new meaning and messages. There is nothing wrong with that. Just read Chasidus or Maharal. Those are clearly newish ideas. If todays Chanukah message can be transformed to a more unifying and inspirational day for more Jews, so be it. I have more to say about what I think the Rabbis of the Talmud were trying to teach us, but thats for a later discussion. (haaretz/opinion/.premium-1.559378) Full text of the article in the SECOND comment below:
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:36:28 +0000
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