|
RUSSELL SANDERS
12-2-2021
HANUKKAH – LESSON 5
This is now the third day of Hanukkah. It is also called Chanukah, Feast of Dedication, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the Maccabees
John 10:22 records the presence of Jesus at the Feast of Dedication so called because the Maccabees dedicated the restored temple of Jerusalem in 164 B.C.
One of the traditions is the singing of Psalm 30, a song of dedication. It was to commemorate the dedication of the house of King David in Jerusalem upon its completion.
One of the best-known passages in the Psalms comes from verse 11 of Psalm 30 where it says, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing. Thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.” This is a Hanukkah favorite.
They also read of recite the Hallel which means “praise.” The Hallel is Psalms 113-118 and is memorized by some of the Jews. It is also recited on three biblical feasts, The Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
They also have selected readings from the Torah (Pentateuch). They recite a prayer “for the miracles” called the ‘al HaNissim. Some (not all) will also read from the Scroll of Antiochus. Other daily prayers of thanks are offered to God for His deliverance.
There are also some non-religious customs featuring festive meals, songs, games, and treats fried in oil to recall that special temple oil.
Presents and gifts are given to children. Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas might have had some influence on that. The children play a game with a four-sided top called a dreidel. It has a Hebrew letter on each side, the first letter of four Hebrew words (an acronym) which means “a great miracle happened here.”
In Christian countries some Jewish families also decorate their homes as the Christians do. In Israel Hanukkah is a national holiday. Schools are closed. Students present plays, sing holiday songs, and have parties. Large menorahs adorn the tops of prominent buildings including the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Runners carry burning torches from Modi ‘in, the hometown of the Maccabees, to the western wall in Jerusalem which they believe to be a remnant of the temple. Upon arrival the torch bearers hand the torch to the chief rabbi who uses it to light the first candle of a giant menorah.
We Christians usually know so little of the Jewish celebrations. The more we know, the greater appreciation we have for their history and why they celebrate.
Missed some of Russell's messages? Click here to read
| 
