December 2024 By: Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
Christmas 2024 coincides with the time of Hanukkah – Hebrew month of Kislev, when the ancient war the Maccabees had to fight, ended.
The Revolt
There was strong Greek cultural and religious influence in the Land of Israel in 168 BC. A family called the Seleucids governed and Hellenistic (Greek) culture reigned. Antiochus Epiphanes IV who ruled from 175 BC to 164 BC was an evil king. He added the word Epiphanes to his name thus making himself “like God”. Greek culture worshiped idols. Judaism believes in one God.
An anti-Jewish campaign of pressure and discrimination started. Even at a time before the birth of Jesus, the campaign assumed surprisingly modern practices. They forbade Jewish worship. They desecrated and burnt Torah scrolls. They forbade celebrating Shabbat. Kosher diet became forbidden at the threat of penalty of death.
It is said that the Maccabean revolt started when the rulers tried to force an old priest called Matityahu to sacrifice to Greek idols – an act he courageously refused to perform. His followers got courage from his actions and attacked the troops of Antiochus. When these withdrew, as they had been surprised the rebels, the latter fled to Judean mountains. There these courageous men got together and started attacking the superior Greek troops.
Judah Maccabean was the leader of the revolt. Fighting ensued and the Seleucid king’s troops, despite their vast numbers, were unable to match the rebels. The Maccabean troops gathered to seek the Lord in Mizpah, the same place where prophet Samuel had charged and led the Israelites. Following many more fights, the Maccabees won.
Victory
They did not just allow idolatry to win. Against overwhelming odds, they fought for nearly a decade. In the end, they came up to a desecrated temple in Jerusalem. This was the temple where a light is supposed to be always burning. They found little oil for the Menorah, but it lasted for eight days. The oil for the temple candelabra must be pure and special olive oil. They did not have it. Yet they did. It was as if their faith rewarded them with a miracle.
Our Days
In December 2024, even as we wish each other Chag Sameach and Happy Hanukkah, many feel some trepidation watching the situation in the world. This feeling does not relate only to Israel after October 7, 2023. It is more about the world on so many diverse levels. Israel, the hostages, and the military situation in Syria are one part of this.
We hear less and less about the hostages and the reasons for this war in the global media. Israel is under pressure. Terrible antisemitic forces have taken the Western world hostage. There is virulent antisemitism and hatred in our streets, universities, and places of entertainment. International organizations by and large are anti-Israel.
If in time of Hanukkah, we always used to talk about the fight between good and evil, darkness and light, it was more in a historical context. But we are now living in that reality. We see worrying developments around us. The courage that the Maccabees had is now required of us.
But it is a time of miracles, of joy. This is the festival of lights. We will light the candles. We will celebrate. We will remember the miracles of the past. After all, one of the Hanukkah songs is Maoz Tzur meaning Rock of Ages.
There is no contradiction. We know the perils of our time, but we must celebrate.
I am reminded of Nehemiah:
“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
