After wishing our Christian cousins Merry Christmas, its time to reach out to our Jewish cousins to wish them a Happy Hanukkah (also spelled and pronounced Chanukah) to commemorate the rededication of the 2nd temple to the service of One true God.
Jews around the nation and the world are celebrating the 8-day festival also known as Chanukah in the memory of the recapture of the 2nd temple from the King Antiochus IV, after he had taken over Jerusalem. The temple was looted, the religious services were stopped, the altar to Zeus, one of the pagan gods was erected in the temple and pigs were sacrificed. In short, Judaism was abolished.
This led to a religious revolt and within three years, Antiochus was defeated and the temple was rededicated, restoring the religious services to One true God. A menorah was lighted which lasted for 8 days while it had enough oil only for one day. Lighting a candle, or an oil based lamp each night commemorates the miracle.
I remember celebrating the Hanukkah festivities at one of my neighborhood synagogues last year, attended by families and children. It was filled with prayers and songs lead by the Rabbi. Children were playing and running around, pretty much the only time /occasion I have seen an activity at a synagogue.
In many ways Hanukkah is symbolic of religious freedom and liberation from extreme religious oppression. This was important some 2000 years ago and it is very true in the age we live in. All of us who care about freedom to practice our religion can easily appreciate this festival.
The following verse from the Qur’an may not necessarily be in reference to taking back of the temple, but certainly indicates that God helps those who fight to protect the churches, the synagogues and the mosques, where God’s praises are celebrated.
Those who were unjustly expelled from their homes for no other reason than their saying: “Allah (God) is Our Lord. If Allah (God) were not to repel some through others, the monasteries and churches and synagogues and mosques wherein the name of Allah(God) is much remembered, would certainly have been pulled down. Allah (God) will most certainly help those who will help Him. Verily Allah (God) is Immensely Strong, Mighty. The Quran 22:40
I wish my Jewish cousins a very happy Hanukkah, or as it is said in Hebrew, Chanukah Sameach! May the blessings of One true God be upon you!
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