Ceremony and Celebration Family Edition, The Hagim, Hanukka, The First Night, A Hanukka Message
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INSPIRED BY FAITH, WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Twenty-two centuries ago, when Israel was under the rule of the empire of Alexander the Great, one particular leader, Antiochus IV, decided to force the pace of Hellenisation. He forbade Jews from practising their religion and even set up a statue of Zeus Olympus in the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
This was too much to bear, and a group of Jews, the Maccabees, fought for their religious freedom, winning a stunning victory against the most powerful army of the ancient world. After three years of conflict, they reconquered Jerusalem, rededicated the Beit HaMikdash, and relit the Menora with the one cruse of undefiled oil they found among the wreckage.
It was one of the most spectacular military achievements of the ancient world. It was, as we say in our prayers, a victory of the few over the many, the weak over the strong. It is summed up in a wonderful line from the prophet Zekharya: “‘Not by might nor by strength but by My spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zekharya 4:6).
The Maccabees had neither might nor strength, neither weapons nor numbers. But they had a double portion of the Jewish spirit that longs for freedom and is prepared to fight for it.
Never believe that a handful of dedicated people can’t change the world. Inspired by faith, they can. The Maccabees did then. So can we today.
❖ Points to Ponder
- Why do you think the Greeks were against Jews keeping their religion?
- What life lessons can you learn from the victory of the Maccabees over the ancient Greek army?
- Can you give other examples from Jewish history of the “Jewish spirit”?