Volume 6, Issue 4, December 1996

HANUKKAH

As we ponder the need for bilingualism and biculturalism, it is becoming more obvious another "bi" has crept into our culture - bi-festivalism.

We have become aware that a holyday with striking similarities to Christmas falls at the same time - the Jewish Festival of Lights called Hanukkah.

Jews didn't used to make too much of Hanukkah in our communities. Traditionally a minor festival, Hanukkah goes back to the war of 163 BCE in which Judas Maccabee, against near impossible odds defeated the Hellenized Syrian king, Antiochus IV, after he defiled the Temple. More important is the tradition that one day's supply of sacred oil burned for eight days in the rededicated Temple. Hence the eight-day holiday in which an additional candle is lighted each day.

Jews under pressure from their children and unable to escape the Christian Christmas celebrations started emphasizing the features of Hanukkah similar to Christmas - the lights, gift-giving, merry-making, exchanges of greetings.

Some families set up an evergreen tree and call it a Hanukkah bush. Others put illuminated candelabra in the windows. Hanukkah cards are mailed and Hanukkah gifts given. The star of Bethlehem is replaced with the star of David.

The battle is almost won to eliminate Xmas and put Christ back into Christmas.

It's time to recognize Hanukkah as well.

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"Religion NOW" is published in limited edition by the Rev. Ross E. Readhead, B.A., B.D., Certificate of Corrections, McMaster University, in the interest of furthering knowledge and participation in religion. Dialogue is invited and welcomed.