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We observe Hanukkah, also
called the Festival of Lights or the Feast of
Dedication, in memory of the miracle God performed after the
Maccabean
victory over the Syrian ruler Antiochus Epiphanes IV.
Although the account of the Maccabean victory is not
included in the Holy Scriptures, it was a holiday that Yeshua (Jesus)
observed. (John 10:22) The underlying theme of the story emphasizes God’s
power to execute miracles.
The Syrian ruler of Israel, Antiochus Epiphanes tried
to eliminate all Jewish religious practices. He displaced the high priest,
desecrated the Temple by sacrificing pigs, and forced people to observe
pagan practices.
A Syrian officer came to the small town of Modin and
demanded the priest, Mattathias, sacrifice a pig in the temple. Mattathias
killed the Syrian and fled with his sons to the Judean hills. From there
they waged guerilla warfare. After his death, his son Judah, the Hammer,
became leader and regained control of Jerusalem. Judah’s nickname, the
Hammer, is fascinating because the word is an acrostic in Hebrew, which
means, “Who among the mighty is like Thee, O God?”
After their conquest, the Temple was cleansed and
rededicated. As the High Priest lit the Menorah he noticed there was
only enough oil to last one day. The rest had been desecrated.
Miraculously, this small amount of oil lasted eight days. This allowed
sufficient time for more oil to be prepared and consecrated. Eight spears
were found in the Temple stuck in the earth with a light kindled on each
one. Consequently, Hanukkah, which means rededication, is observed for 8
days. The celebration begins on the 25th day of the month of
Kislev.
The Hanukkah Menorah has nine candles. Eight
represent the eight days of oil plus a middle candle, the Shamash
(servant). The Shamash is lit first each evening and then is used to light
the others; only one is lit the first night and then an additional candle
each following evening.
The Menorah measures 8 3/4" tall by
6 1/2" wide. It holds standard Hanukkah candles. |
