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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Happy CHNUKA
        
(Message started by: wildhaus on Dec 16^th, 2006, 11:24am)

Title: Happy CHNUKA
Post by wildhaus on Dec 16^th, 2006, 11:24am

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cc37b3127cce8f9aaa618f7f00000016100AbMmbFu4YsWNA

Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Chanukkah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews (and even many assimilated Jews!) think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. It is bitterly ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on our calendar.

The Story
The story of Chanukkah begins in the reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander 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.

More than a century later, a successor of Alexander, Antiochus IV was in control of 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 (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. Two groups opposed Antiochus: a basically nationalistic group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim, the forerunners of the Pharisees (no direct connection to the modern movement known as Chasidism). They joined forces in a revolt against both the assimilation of the Hellenistic Jews and oppression by the Selucid Greek government. The revolution succeeded and the Temple was rededicated.

According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah (candelabrum) in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Note that the holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory: Jews do not glorify war.

Marta Michael
JJ and Ben

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by E-Double on Dec 16^th, 2006, 11:37am

and to you my brother!!!!

Hope you are enjoying some yummy sufganiyot

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Jonny on Dec 16^th, 2006, 11:48am

Happy happy, joy joy.....ill skip the sufganiyot because I dont eat what I cant pronounce....LOL ;;D

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Jimi on Dec 16^th, 2006, 11:51am

I was just reading the book of the prophet Daniel this week and it was talking about the terrible reign of Antiochus IV during that time. I found your post very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I learned something again. (who says you are too old to learn). Thanks Michael. :)

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by FramCire on Dec 16^th, 2006, 12:37pm

Do parents still think socks make an acceptable Hannukah gift? Just because it is 8 days doesn't mean socks, school supplies, or underwear is appropriate!!!!

I remember always getting 1 nice gift, 5 days of small stuff, and 2 days of socks/underwear.

Anyway, this is a note to my jewish friends who are new parents... PLEASE DONT DO THAT!!! Explaining what you got for Hannukah can be very truamatic!!!!!

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Richr8 on Dec 16^th, 2006, 12:44pm

on 12/16/06 at 12:37:45, FramCire wrote:

Do parents still think socks make an acceptable Hannukah gift?

Unless they are heated thermal socks to wear on winter time motorcycle, hunting, or mountain climbing trips, I'd have to agree. :)

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by georgej on Dec 16^th, 2006, 1:05pm

Happy Hanukkah to Eric, to Michael, and to your families and loved ones. May this coming year bring you the best of all things.

Good wishes always, from my family to yours.

George

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by chewy on Dec 16^th, 2006, 1:30pm

Thanks Wildhaus.

I always enjoy reading the philosophies and history of other religions.

So to you and yours I share my "Merry Christmas".

(You already know that story I'm sure)

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by lionsound on Dec 16^th, 2006, 1:32pm

on 12/16/06 at 12:37:45, FramCire wrote:

Do parents still think socks make an acceptable Hannukah gift? Just because it is 8 days doesn't mean socks, school supplies, or underwear is appropriate!!!!

LOL! no worries...I REFUSE to give socks or underwear as a Chanukah gift. Sometimes school supplies..but only the cool ones i was too cheap to buy in September.

time to make the latkes :D
time is the best gift of all!
Happy Chanukah Everyone!

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Charlie on Dec 16^th, 2006, 1:56pm

Thanks Michael.

I learn something new about Chanukkah every year and lot of it from you.

Have a joyful time.

Charlie

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Jonny on Dec 16^th, 2006, 2:22pm

http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/jew-heyya.html

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Dec 16^th, 2006, 5:06pm

Thanks, Michael, you too.

Bring on the latkes. and my personal favorite Potato kuegel.
Yum, yum

B$

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by floridian on Dec 17^th, 2006, 8:31am

Happy חנוכה!

Hang on - lets see if we can fix that....

Happy http://www.med-owl.com/images/hannukah.jpg

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Dec 17^th, 2006, 9:07am

To Eric, Michael, Rori, Tom K, Framcire and Andrea(Broomie) - and to your families and loved ones - Happy Chanukah.

Carol

PS - Eric I still want those donuts - send 'em Fedex, would ya?

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by nani on Dec 17^th, 2006, 9:50am

Happy and Blessed Hannuka to all who celebrate this wonderful holiday!
Will someone send me some latkes and sufganiyot?
hugs and love, nani

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by broomhilda on Dec 17^th, 2006, 6:26pm

Happy Holidays everyone!!! So much food, so little time ;;D

Hugs to all

Title: Re: Happy CHNUKA
Post by Ree on Dec 17^th, 2006, 6:34pm

happy Hanuka to all...
love reehttp://www.sanfords.net/Spots_free_graphics/Jewish/menorah17.gif