Posted on 12/09/2001 5:45:52 AM PST by carlo3b
The Victory over Antiochus
More than 2000 years ago, the land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a tyrannical Syrian king. Even today, people fight wars over their gods, despite claims to value "religious tolerance." But a couple of thousand years ago, religious tolerance didn't exist at all. Religion was as good an excuse as any to oppress a people.
That's precisely what Antiochus did to the Jews: he forbade them to observe the Sabbath or study their religious text, the Torah, and he erected a statue of Zeus in their sacred temple of Jerusalem. Many Jews followed his decrees, because they had no choice; those who resisted were executed.
In 167 B.C., the Jews -- driven to desperation -- rose up against Antiochus. Mattathias, a well-respected priest, gathered together an army and put his five sons in charge. Judah and his brothers wanted a name for their battalion that would signify force and strength; "Maccabee", meaning "hammer", fit the bill. It took three years of fighting, but eventually the Maccabees drove the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem.
Naturally, the Maccabees quickly got rid of the statue of Zeus. Then they cleansed and purified the temple, and rekindled the menorah, a candelabra that symbolized God's Divine Presence. Oddly enough, although it only held enough oil to burn for a single day, the menorah burned for eight. This was the miracle.
HANUKKAH CUSTOMS: THE MENORAH
About the Menorah
To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It's usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a "shamash" or service candle which then takes its own place at the centre of the menorah. The menorah itself is placed in a window or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by.
Lighting the Menorah
On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle (or oil wick) is lit on the far right side of the menorah. A candle is added, from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars become visible in the night sky, but they can be lit late into the night. While the candles are being lit and the blessing given, the whole family and any guests gather to witness the ceremony; everyone is encouraged to participate. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight. And as they did the previous evenings, the candles will continue to shine until they burn themselves out.
The Blessing
The first blessing thanks God for the commandment to "kindle the Hanukkah lights."
Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam Asher Kidshanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukkah.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, who commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
The second blessing praises God for the miracle the candles symbolize; it's said as the candles are being lit.
Baruch Atah Adonia Elohenu Melech Ha-olam She-asa Nissim L'votenu Bayamim Ha-hem Ba-ZmanHa-zeh.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.
On the first night of Hanukkah the "shehechiyanu" blessing is included, to signify that this is the first time the Hanukkah lights have been lit this season.
Hanukkah is a "Festival of Lights" to celebrate the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrians, and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The holiday also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
Better not eat too many of those badboys, but....yummmmmmm Thanks for the recipe.
Not a chance, I got more than I bargained for with a chef I had at my 1st hotel roomservice job,............
Chef Kevin O'Shey!
I swear he could cook anything at a moments notice, that the most demanding patrons requested, without a blink of the eye, or any cookbook. I'd stack that man up against the most heralded fancy, foreign trained Chefs I have had since.
Actually I cook like my mother .. I just throw things in a pot and it's a Mo1 Surprise .. I haven't poisoned anyone yet so I guess that makes me a cook .. LOL
Y'all are secretly Amish, right? Beards, modesty, Headcoverings, and food!
Landsman! (ok, I can't spell it, I heard it on the Frisco Kid)
Blessings for the celebration of light!
No matter where you find yourself in your personal spiritual journey, let us join together and pray for peace.
BTW, does anyone have a recipe for some fantastic Jewish food made from beets and oranges? I'll trade it for one for corn cob jelly or apple pie, or even Tater Tot casserole -- I'll leave out the cheese so it will be Kosher.
....Hummmmmmming, ..... waiting ......taping my foot .........looking at my watch ...........druming my fingers on the table .....yawning .........looking at the ceiling ..........resting chin on hand ..........leaning head against monitor ........Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......snif, cough ........ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Bump for peace on Earth ....pray hard, it really works, REALLY!
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