A few hundred years before the events of Chanukah, Alexander the Great expanded his lands and the Hellenistic worldview from the city state of Macedon to one of the largest empires ever to exist in the world, reaching from the Aegean and Egypt to as far as India.
Just like today, the Judean world was replete with struggles and tensions about how to practice Judaism – a religion that has always been small in number – in a genuine and heartfelt way while living in the broader community and world.
Man and God
The broader Hellenistic world brought the world unbelievable positives – including democracy and some of the greatest works of literature and philosophy – though it presented the Judean world with a stark choice between the fruits of Hellenism and their own traditions and innate Hebraic wisdom.
For Judeans living at the time of Chanukah, conflicts arose between those who wanted to embrace Hellenism – the powerful priestly families and upper crest of Judean society – and those who wanted to retain the Judean roots and spirit. This is the beginning of the Chanukah story.
While a major oversimplification, Hellenism presents a struggle between the worship of man and the worship of God. Hellenism demands the worship self, the rational, the mighty and powerful, the King and empire; whereas Judaism – at its best and truest – demands the worship of God – a power greater than self and monarchs – care for the needy, genuine recognition of others, and service to them.
To fight against superior military force was totally illogical and unrealistic from the Hellenizer’s standpoint. But the Maccabees drew upon the Jewish religion and the stubborn spirit of a people who had come to believe that every human being is created in the divine image, hence has a right to be treated with respect and decency. These were people who could not submit to the rule of imperialists, and whose religion taught them that they need not, because the central power of the universe is a power that rejected the reality of oppression. (Lerner, 1994, p. 375)
The time of Chanukah was not the only time the Jewish world has been presented with a seeming choice between Jewish tradition and the glamor of modernity and belonging. It is natural to desire acceptance, yet history teaches that not everyone is accepted.
Chanukah in the 21st Century
The holiday of Chanukah has quickly become the most popular American Jewish holiday. I’d venture a guess that more people go to Chanukah parties or celebrate Chanukah in some way than even attend High Holiday services. But why is that?
There is no simple answer, though Chanukah speaks to people in ways perhaps other Jewish holidays do not. With a long history of targeted persecutions, it is a welcome change to celebrate victory!
I have to admit that I am sometimes frustrated with the attenuation of the Chanukah message. As fun as it can be, Chanukah is so much more than parties, doughnuts, and giving our children the newest and greatest toys.
But what is the Chanukah message?
For me, part of the Chanukah message is that no one is too small, too unimportant, or inconsequential. We are all created in the image of the Divine, born with the innate dignity and respect worthy of even the greatest Emperor. Each person belongs! Every single person matters!
By My Breath
There is a famous Chanukah song taken from the words in Zechariah, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit” (Zechariah 4:6; JPS). The Hebrew word for spirit – ruach – also means the breath. The miracle of God is neither might nor power. The miracle of God is the breath!
We are told that “God created us from the dust of the earth. God blew into our nostrils the breath of life, and we became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). This is God’s meditation! This is our meditation! “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalms 150:6; NASB). We breathe with the breath of the Divine, and in doing so, we become alive.
On a day when it feels like the world is against you and the armies of the entire known world are marching against you, know that you are not alone. You are never alone. Do not give up on the Divine, and do not give up on your self! Never cease the struggle for humanity! Most especially, never cease your struggle for your Humanity! This is the Chanukah story! This is the Chanukah miracle! This is how we live in the broader community and world!
As always, if you are interested in learning more about Jewish Mindfulness Meditation or how to create a more meaningful spiritual path for you and your loved ones, please make sure to sign up and click the “Stay Connected Now!” button below!
Adam Fogel
www.mindfuljudaism.com