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"Oh Chanukah - Oh Chanukah
“Oh Chanukah - Oh Chanukah
Lenore “Bubbe” Roth | Alpert JCC ECE Judaica Specialist
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The literal meaning of Chanukah is Dedication. This festive Jewish holiday is celebrated for 8 nights. During this time we retell the story of Judea and his brave army.
The Maccabees.
The story takes place in town of Modin, in the country of Syria. It was there that King Antiochus forbid the Jews to worship God and also forbid them from practicing Jewish rituals and customs. His armies kept a close eye on the Jews in Modin, to make sure the Jews were following King Antiochus’ rules. It was then that Judea Maccabee decided that the Jews were not going to be oppressed anymore.
With some careful strategies and supreme faith in God, Judea and his Maccabees fought the Syrian Army and won.
When they knew it was safe the Jewish people went into the Temple, only to find it destroyed by the Syrian Army. They set about to clean and reclaim the Temple. BUT--- they needed oil. Enough oil to last long enough to clean the Temple and repair the damages that were done.
They found ONE small oil jug. That oil was only enough to last one night…. After praying to God for help and guidance, the small vessel of oil burned for 8 days and 8 nights.
During Chanukah we remember the brave Maccabees who bravely fought the Syrian army to ensure that religious freedoms were not taken away from the Israelites.
May all of you be blessed with a happy, safe and healthy Chanukah.Bubbe Roth
