As many of you know, I have a bad habit of destroying the Chanukah story for folks this time of year by sharing that the miraculous oil story is just a legend. This legend was developed by the rabbis to downplay the real story of Chanukah, one that centers around the war the Maccabees waged against the Greeks. The Maccabees were victorious, regaining the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem that was captured and defiled by the Greeks. In an attempt to purify the Temple, the Maccabees rededicated (Chanukah means dedication) the holy structure by lighting the Menorah (the seven branched candelabra that stood in the Temple; a Chanukah menorah, or Chanukiah has eight branches, plus a shamash, or helper candle) for eight days.
Why was the Menorah lit for eight days? It has nothing to do with miraculous oil and everything to do with the military victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. Celebrating this victory, the Maccabees created a new, very Jewish dedication ritual. Under their oppressive Greek reign, Jews were forbidden to practice their religion. Once they toppled the Greeks, the Maccabees turned to their tradition and realized that the last holiday the Greeks prevented them from celebrating, Sukkot, is an eight-day holiday, the seven days of Sukkot, plus another day, the eighth day, which we call Shemini Atzeret. To honor this holiday that they could not celebrate, the Maccabees lit the Menorah for eight days, a powerful way to celebrate their success in battle and their victory for the Jewish people.
Over time, as they found themselves living under the authority once again of powerful nations, the rabbis created the story of the miraculous oil. It was designed to protect the Jewish people as it made no sense for Jews living as minorities under strong regimes to celebrate their victory over the Greeks. Such a celebration could easily have perceived as a threat. And so, to this day, we celebrate the much safer miracle of the oil.
While I love the story of the miraculous oil, as we mark the second Chanukah since 7 October, I feel strongly that we must reclaim the true story of Chanukah, the military victory. The Maccabees were a tiny group of Jews who should not have been able to defeat the powerful Greeks. But they did! And because of this miracle, Judaism survived and did not become consumed by a foreign culture that sought to decimate Jewish life. This story of miraculous survival is our story – one repeated over and over again. It is the story of Israel and our people post-October 7. Since that dark day more than 14 months ago, we have been engaged in a multi-front war, a war that has spread across the globe and poured into our own streets and campuses as virulent antisemitism. Despite the overwhelming attacks, miraculously, we Jews have fought back. The war is far from over, but the IDF is defeating extremely dangerous enemies of Israel, helping to secure the Israeli home front, and redefining the political landscape of the Middle East. Here at home and in various other countries, we have united in powerful ways. With great strength, we are standing against the hate, using all legal and political means to ensure that our rights are protected, promoting the truth about Israel, and continuing to be bright lights in incredible darkness. Miraculously, we are walking in the footsteps of the Maccabees. While we still have a battle before us, it is clear that victory is still on our side, the side of the small, but mighty nation of Israel.
As we light the eight lights of Chanukah, please think about the incredible strength, courage and faith of our ancestors who lived through extremely dark times – but did whatever was necessary to keep the flame of Judaism alive. Think about our Israeli brothers and sisters who are yearning for the return of their loved ones still held hostage and the end to the war that surrounds them. Recognize our own strength, as each of us continues to find ways to be a voice for Israel and a warrior against antisemitism. Along with our ancestors and our Israeli brothers and sisters, we are part of the real miracle of these eight days – the strength of our people! Yasher koach to us all – may we only grow stronger!
Cheryl, Abigail, and Jonah join me in wishing us all a bright, victorious Chanukah that will soon be followed by the return of our hostages and a great peace.
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