Do we really know why we celebrate Chanukkah?

Do you know why Americans celebrate the Fourth of July?  Well, a long time ago, a lot of colonists suffered because Great Britain wanted to rule the land that would one day become America. After a while, the people had enough and fought back. The leader of the force that fought back was named George Washington. After the colonists won their independence, they needed all the soon-to-be states to ratify and sign the newly written Constitution. This seemed like an impossibility, but somehow a miracle occurred.  Against incredible odds, all states ratified the Constitution, and the United States of America became a sovereign nation. To celebrate these events, we light fireworks and host a barbecue. 

If you winced while reading the above paragraph because you thought this was a generalization of the events that established our American independence, you are well within your right to do so. Additionally, the fireworks and barbecue lacked any contextualization to make them seem relevant to the holiday, itself.  Any American who passed eighth grade American History knows that the above description simply does not do the war, or those fought in it, justice. War is messy and requires nuance.

Now, let’s turn to the Jewish holiday of Chanukkah. Why do Jews celebrate Chanukkah?  Well, a long time ago, Israelites suffered because Greece wanted to rule the land of Israel and have its inhabitants worship idols. After a while, the Israelites had enough and fought back. The leader of this rebellion was named Judah Maccabee.  After the Israelites won, they needed to rededicate the Temple and light the menorah.  Lighting the menorah seemed like an impossibility because there was only enough oil to last one day.  Against incredible odds (aka A Miracle), the oil lasted eight nights and stayed lit while the Israelites sought to acquire more oil. To celebrate these events, Jews light menorahs, eat latkes, and spin dreidels.

Looking at the two stories, might the Chanukkah story also look like an oversimplification?  The answer is a loud and resounding, Yes!  Yet, this is the story we know and tell our children.

This Chanukkah season, I invite you to spend some time reading a more nuanced account of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Dynasty. Holidays are beautiful reasons for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company; however, it is important to know what it is we are celebrating and to take a moment and gratefully acknowledge those who came before us to secure our freedom for each generation.  Jewish history contains countless examples of underdogs standing up for what they believe in to ensure the freedom for their respective generations.

Judaism progresses and evolves one generation at a time. The Greatest Generation ensured the survival of the Jewish people. The following generation helped us to look upward and outward to other groups who suffer as we did. They reminded us of Tikkun O’lam, our sacred charge of doing our part to heal the world. How will this generation be remembered? What will we do for Judaism, the Jewish people, and our neighbors?  During Chanukkah, we celebrate our freedom to be Jews and act Jewishly. How do we want to honor those who came before us? What will we do to progress and evolve Judaism for the next generation? May you have a restful and revitalizing Chanukkah season, and may you honor those who came before us by working to ensure freedom for others. Happy Chanukkah.

Michael Cohen is the rabbi at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth