Hanukkah was never meant to be a comfortable holiday, because nothing terrifies the world more than dignified Jews who unapologetically defend themselves. All Jews today must prepare to do the same.
Whenever I read the word "warrior" regarding the ancient Hebrews and present day Israelites/Jews I think of the many times the words "mighty men" are used in what Christians call the Old Testament. As a former US Army infantryman what always strikes me in those stories of battle is that the Hebrews were always vastly outnumbered, as I understand it, and they'd prevail because they had God defending them. Since 1948 Israel has been in the same situation many times but has always prevailed and I believe it's because the Lord keeps His hand ON the Jewish State.
The miracle in the Hannukah story itself of the lasting oil is not historical, but the birth of the State of Israel is , and as a statistical miracle, one of utmost improbability, is what miracles can be said to be today, with full scientific background.
The history of Hannukah is uncontroversial :the Hasmoneans vanquished the Greeks and ruled for decades until Rome took over. This was also exceptional and improbable, situated between three huge Jewish defeats and exiles: Assyria, Babylon, Rome.
The Maccabees, led by a warrior priest, echo the ancient Levites, fanatical loyal Hebrews who likely gave Israel the sacred name of God and taught the Israelites their religion.
Warrior priests are indeed frightening. They can make the wrath of God palpable in human terms.
The world fears the Jews because they do appear supernatural, in the over-abundance of individual genius, the way this genius shaped the world ( Moses, Jesus, Marx, Freud, Einstein), and in the miraculous resilience and survival of the People, also eternal.
The moral genius of Israel guided an entire civilisation, but also created the burden of conscience that so many are discarding today in favour of new barbaric or demented tyrannies. Israel set a very high bar, which demoting Hannukah to food and gifts doesn't do justice to. But the hope and the light - it is indeed a Festival of Lights-appropriately celebrates Israel's chosennes for such an inspired role in History .
Your Christian roots are in Judaism and Israel. When either of those is denied, you are being denied your roots, your faith. It’s important for Christians to know that and stand when Jews and Israel are attacked, not for the sake of Jews but for your own sake.
In case anyone thought that the Jewish People are alone in defending themselves in a war-like way, please remember....ALL Nation-States and Countries are PRECISELY THE SAME at the top. How do I know this? Because I have experienced this RIGHT HERE in London, UK.
The world is with you we are being overuled by stupid leaders who disobey their election manifestos. Jesus is your Jesus he was from Judea we must be ready for the same treatment at Christmas markets as Hanukah services. Christians our Bible is your bible we must unite stop islamist hordes destroying our world. No one's bothering moslems they're by choice everyones enemy disrupting murdering raping screeching hate to everyone..
There is no explanation for the existence of the State of Israel except that the God of covenant has performed many miracles throughout the centuries and still fights for Israel, that's what I think!
You are absolutely right. By the rules of logic, statistics and history, the Jewish people should not exist - and yet we do. There is a reason for that :-)
I heard a slightly different version of the oil "miracle" from an Israeli scholar. When the Hashmonaim liberated the temple, there was plenty of oil, but not the right kind that would satisfy the strict requirements of the cohen. They sent someone to find "kosher" oil. When he came back and claimed with a nod and a wink that his oil was kosher, the cohen accepted it and they called it a "miracle" and got on with the belated Succot sacrifices.
Whenever I read the word "warrior" regarding the ancient Hebrews and present day Israelites/Jews I think of the many times the words "mighty men" are used in what Christians call the Old Testament. As a former US Army infantryman what always strikes me in those stories of battle is that the Hebrews were always vastly outnumbered, as I understand it, and they'd prevail because they had God defending them. Since 1948 Israel has been in the same situation many times but has always prevailed and I believe it's because the Lord keeps His hand ON the Jewish State.
Great read. Meticulous and true.
The miracle in the Hannukah story itself of the lasting oil is not historical, but the birth of the State of Israel is , and as a statistical miracle, one of utmost improbability, is what miracles can be said to be today, with full scientific background.
The history of Hannukah is uncontroversial :the Hasmoneans vanquished the Greeks and ruled for decades until Rome took over. This was also exceptional and improbable, situated between three huge Jewish defeats and exiles: Assyria, Babylon, Rome.
The Maccabees, led by a warrior priest, echo the ancient Levites, fanatical loyal Hebrews who likely gave Israel the sacred name of God and taught the Israelites their religion.
Warrior priests are indeed frightening. They can make the wrath of God palpable in human terms.
The world fears the Jews because they do appear supernatural, in the over-abundance of individual genius, the way this genius shaped the world ( Moses, Jesus, Marx, Freud, Einstein), and in the miraculous resilience and survival of the People, also eternal.
The moral genius of Israel guided an entire civilisation, but also created the burden of conscience that so many are discarding today in favour of new barbaric or demented tyrannies. Israel set a very high bar, which demoting Hannukah to food and gifts doesn't do justice to. But the hope and the light - it is indeed a Festival of Lights-appropriately celebrates Israel's chosennes for such an inspired role in History .
I'm a Christian and love reading about Israel, Jews and their customs.
God Bless Israel.
Your Christian roots are in Judaism and Israel. When either of those is denied, you are being denied your roots, your faith. It’s important for Christians to know that and stand when Jews and Israel are attacked, not for the sake of Jews but for your own sake.
You're right. But your comment chastises him as if he doesn't know this. For no good reason that I can see.
Yeah, agree with you - Thanks
Wonderful! Just part of your astonishing history.
This is a fantastic, powerful essay in every respect.
Well said, Forest Rain. Thank you
In case anyone thought that the Jewish People are alone in defending themselves in a war-like way, please remember....ALL Nation-States and Countries are PRECISELY THE SAME at the top. How do I know this? Because I have experienced this RIGHT HERE in London, UK.
The world is with you we are being overuled by stupid leaders who disobey their election manifestos. Jesus is your Jesus he was from Judea we must be ready for the same treatment at Christmas markets as Hanukah services. Christians our Bible is your bible we must unite stop islamist hordes destroying our world. No one's bothering moslems they're by choice everyones enemy disrupting murdering raping screeching hate to everyone..
La Chaim Israel
There is no explanation for the existence of the State of Israel except that the God of covenant has performed many miracles throughout the centuries and still fights for Israel, that's what I think!
You are absolutely right. By the rules of logic, statistics and history, the Jewish people should not exist - and yet we do. There is a reason for that :-)
The Jewish People too are the reason for that.
I heard a slightly different version of the oil "miracle" from an Israeli scholar. When the Hashmonaim liberated the temple, there was plenty of oil, but not the right kind that would satisfy the strict requirements of the cohen. They sent someone to find "kosher" oil. When he came back and claimed with a nod and a wink that his oil was kosher, the cohen accepted it and they called it a "miracle" and got on with the belated Succot sacrifices.