With the annual celebration of Chanukah just a week away, I thought Id share some advance musings on this much understood holiday... It was designed by our inspired Sages to commemorate far more than Divine intervention and deliverance on an ancient Judean battlefields or even the saving of our temple, the Beit HaMikdash and our nations religious freedom. To prove the point, consider that there are many other miracles (which took place in the Land of Israel - in biblical times!), which are not commemorated at all! Clearly, its deeper spiritual message overwhelmingly eclipses the miraculous Maccabean military victory. In fact, that had to be the case from the very beginning of this national epic, nearly 22 centuries ago, because it’s always been about a sacred candelabrum whose flames kept burning despite all odds. This Temple Menorah was seen as iconic symbol of our Nation’s eternity and our spiritual light that will never be extinguished! None withstanding glory achieved on the battlefield, Chanukah is really all about the force of the Maccabees (and our!) spirit, not the spirit of force and physical prowess... Perhaps this is a conversation that should be continued in the days ahead, in anticipation of, and on the illuminating days of this light-filled festival?
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:44:30 +0000
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