Roots of Faith

Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. This evening at sundown we begin the 25th day of the 9th Biblical month. In the Talmud it is most often referred to as the “Feast of Illumination”. It is also known as the Feast of the Maccabees, the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication (see John 10:22 in the Christian Scriptures). The origins of this festival are not found in the Bible, but in the book of 1 Maccabees. According to the writer of that work, a “sinful root” by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes rose to power in the year 175 B.C.E.. In 169 B.C.E. he turned his evil intentions against the towns, the people and the religion of Israel. With pomp and arrogance he entered the sanctuary speaking boastful words. He stripped the Temple of all valuable items and shed much blood. In 167 B.C.E., he put out a decree to his entire kingdom. In this decree he stated that all people should be one and that everyone should give up their particular customs. The non-Jews and even some from Israel gladly accepted this new “kingdom religion”. The religion of Israel was profaned in every regard and forsaking the Torah was the watchword of the new socially acceptable religion brought in by the sinful root, Antiochus. A “desolating sacrilege” was erected in the Temple, altars went up throughout the towns, and Torah scrolls were burned in the fire. Women who circumcised their children were put to death and the same fate befell those who were discovered following the Torah.

The book of Maccabees records that “many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel.” In the midst of these trying times a priestly family rose to the occasion. From a garrison in Modein, a man named Mattathias and his five sons mourned over the situation. They were approached by the officers of Antiochus with an offer of riches for violating the covenant of their fathers. Not only did they refuse to profane the covenant of their fathers, but they led a rebellion that ultimately defeated the armies of insolence.

Three years to the day that the altar was defiled, the altar was re-dedicated. It was then determined that every year on this date that for eight days, beginning on the 25th of the 9th month a time of joy and gladness should be observed. Since that time, the re-dedication of the altar has been commemorated in the eight-day festival known as Hanukkah.

In our own day, during this season, we should make an extra effort to stand for the holy covenant and to stand against pagan practices and those influences that oppose the Torah. Around the world, Torah oriented people will be kindling the lights in keeping with the tradition of Hanukkah. I pray that you have a blessed season of renewal to the covenant – a re-dedication of your life to the Torah. It should also be pointed out that today marks the ONLY date on the Hebrew calendar that is specifically attached to a blessing. The promised blessing is found in the prophetic book known as Haggai (2:10-23). There we read the following words; “From this day on I will bless you.”

You are invited to join the congregation of Roots of Faith for a Hanukkah party at Temple Sinai. We would love to see you in person, but you are also welcome to attend via the internet (www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video).

I pray a special blessing on all who read these words, and as always – thanks for your continued interest in Roots of Faith. Shalom!