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Happy Chanukah
by Rebbetzin Ellen "Elisheva" Farber
Chanukah (Feast of Dedication) 5763 begins November 30/25 Kislev. Chanukah: In 198 BC Judea was conquered by Antiochus III the Great, a Syrian. At first, the Jewish people were allowed to live their own lives their own way. They were able to function by their own laws under a high priest and a council. After repeated interference's in the Temple and with the priesthood by Antiochus IV Epiphanies he plundered Jerusalem, profaned the Temple, and slew many of the inhabitants. In 168 BC he offered a PIG upon the great altar to Jupiter (Daniel 8:13). Temple worship was forbidden and the people were made to eat the swine's flesh. Antiochus also proclaimed that the Jewish people were forbidden to honour the Shabbat, forbidden to observe the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) and they were not to circumcise the baby boys as well! Two groups opposed Antiochus, a nationalistic group led by Mattathias the Hesmonian along with his son Judah Maccabee (the Hammer) and a group that were the forerunners to the Pharisees called the Chasidim (no relation to the modern sect). They joined together in a revolt against the assimilation of the Hellenistic Jews. Also on their agenda was to annihilate the intense rule they were under by the Selucid Greek reign. After succeeding in overtaking the opposition, the Hellenistic Jews rebuilt the Temple, cleansed it and rededicated it. To light the Menorah they needed consecrated oil, very special oil, blessed oil, the first pressed oil and enough for eight days. They had only enough oil for one day but through prayer HaShem stretched this oil for the Menorah to be lit for eight days, a miacle indeed. In fact that is what is remembered on Chanukah - the miracle not the war! All these events culminated on 25 Kislev and Chanukah begins on this date every year since. Chanukah is about the rededication of the Temple! Chanukah is about the lighting of the menorah candles with consecrated oil that lasted for eight days! Chanukah is about letting our light shine ever so bright for the Messiah Yeshua! Chanukah is about being able to honour the Shabbat, circumcise our baby boys and observe Rosh Chodesh! Rosh Chodesh is given to us by HaShem for a monthly renewal, a new start! As the sliver of the New moon appears and grows into its fullness so shall we grow into the fullness of the L-rd. This year, 5763 we have a double blessing! We at CMY acknowledge Rosh Chodesh the Shabbat weekend prior to the New Moon. This year Chanukah, 25 Kislev, falls on Erev Shabbat, Friday, November 29th at sundown. This is when we light the first candle and when we pray for the new month which will be Tevet on the following Friday! Come and be doubly blessed! Join us at Congregation Melech Yisrael to glorify HaShem and pray for the new month and rededicate our lives to Messiah Yeshua! A traditional food we eat on Chanukah is Potato Latkes (pancakes). Following you will find a fool proof and easy receipe...Rebbetzin Ellen "Elisheva" Farber serves at Congregation Melech Yisrael in Toronto, Canada with her husband, Rabbi Jack "Yaacov" Farber. Copyright 2002
- Romans 1:16, NIV |