The battle was raging. Sword struck shield. Sword struck sword. My band of warriors and I were tired and did not know how long we could hold on. I, Judah Maccabee, must be strong, and encourage my comrades to continue the fight. We were so close to defeating the evil Antiochus. I and my brothers – John, Eleazar, Simon and Jonathan – had promised our father, Matthathias, that we would defend the name of the LORD God of Israel, and bring Jerusalem under Jewish control, once again. We gave a blood curdling shout for freedom, and then…

Asher. It’s dinner time. Get in this house, at once!

Saving Jerusalem would have to wait another day.

It was Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, and my family was waiting to light the lamps. It seemed like only yesterday that we were sitting in our booth of willow, palm and myrtle, and celebrating Sukkot, the most joyous of the feasts prescribed in Torah. We celebrated for seven glorious days and thanked God for the yield of the fall harvest. Today, we were remembering the victory that our God granted us through the Hashmon family, most notably Judah Maccabee, and celebrating the fact that the Menorah in the rededicated Temple burned for eight days on only one day’s supply of oil. It was a great miracle! God stretched out the oil supply until the special oil could be made by the Kohen haGadol, the High Priest. Only the best oil could be used for the Temple Menorah. My father said that it was only a legend, like the stories of Bel and the Dragon, and Judith, but grandfather said that the miracle really happened, because the God of Israel was a miracle working God. What about the prophet Elisha, and the miracle of the never-ending jars of oil? It’s not like God didn’t know how do oil miracles. My father, however, was a practical man, and believed in politics and due process, whatever that was. The Maccabee clan were soldiers first, then priests. They lived by the sword and their wits. The Syrian king, Antiochus IV, was defeated, and Jerusalem put back into the hands of the Jews because of Maccabean military strategy. God had nothing to do with it. Jewish fate was in Jewish hands.

Not even 200 years old, Hanukkah was a newcomer to Jewish festivities. It was like Purim, another celebration of God’s protection and deliverance. Our history is full of people trying to destroy us – Pharoah in Egypt, Haman in Persia, and Antiochus in our own land. We were actually free of occupation for 100 years after the Maccabees defeated the Syrians. Now, we are struggling against the Romans. They don’t seem to like us much, either. Grandfather says it’s because we are God’s chosen people. He chose our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and told them they would become a great nation, have many descendants, and possess the land on which we now lived. Israel is called to be a light to the nations. The Messiah, God’s Deliverer, will come to the world through the Jewish people. It says so in the Book. And, my grandfather would add, we will see Him very soon. When I heard those words, my spirit would burn within me.

Will I know Him when I see Him?

The celebration and practices of Hanukkah were still being worked out by the rabbis. We all know that we are to light lamps during this time. These lamps are to be put in windows so all may see. The light of God’s deliverance will push back the darkness of Roman occupation. Rabbi Shamai says that we must start with eight candles on the first night, and end up with only one on the eighth and final night. This is to comply with the sacrifices offered at Sukkot, which diminish each day of the festival. Rabbi Hillel, on the other hand, believes we should start with one candle and work up to eight. His explanation is that when we increase the light, we increase the holiness in the world. I like this concept.

Once the lamps are lit, grandfather retells the tale of the Modi’in priests, the band known as the Maccabees. I never tire of hearing the wonderful story of how our people struggled against the Syrian occupiers, and the evil Antiochus Epiphanes. How was this enemy different from all the others? The Greeks had decided that their culture, religion, and practices should be spread to all those whom they had conquered. The Hellenist way of life was adopted by many, including Jews. It was not forced. It was a choice made by many. It angered many of our spiritual leaders. No other gods. You will have no other gods. Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonai Elohenu, Adonai Ehad. The LORD our God is One. V’ahavtah et Adonai Elohecha. And you shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength. What made Antiochus IV different was that he decided not only would everyone become Greeks, but everyone would acknowledge his divinity. He called himself Epiphanes, the Enlightened One. The Jews called him Epimanes, the Crazy One. His reign was one of terror. Torah and its practice was strictly forbidden – no Shabbat, no Temple sacrifices, no circumcision. Babies that had been circumcised were hung, along with those who had performed the mitzvah, the commandment. Our Torah scrolls were burned, and the ones who taught the Law were often beaten and murdered. The Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated by pagan practices. Unclean animals, including pigs, were sacrificed on the holy altar. Temple prostitutes became commonplace. And worst of all …

A statue of the Greek god Zeus towered over the area reserved for worship and service to the LORD God of Israel.

Grandfather’s voice would rise in excitement, and his eyes would sparkle as he triumphantly told the story of how the Maccabees gathered a small band of men, and began to terrorize the Syrians. It was Gideon’s band, he would say, small but mighty, because God was with them. For 3 ½ years, Antiochus played God, but his defeat finally came. Running the Syrian occupation out of Jerusalem, the work of cleaning up the Temple and restoring it for holy service began. The altar covered with the blood of unclean sacrifices was removed and taken outside of the city. A new stone altar was built. The idol of Zeus was torn down and destroyed. The golden Menorah had been destroyed by the occupiers. It was replaced, in preparation to once again bring the Ner Tamid, the everlasting light, into the Temple. There was only one problem. The oil used to light this Menorah could only be produced by the High Priest. All priestly duties had ceased for months. Was there any sacred oil for the lamp? Yes! Simon Maccabee, younger brother of Judah, found one vessel with the priestly seal, and only one – enough for one day’s supply.

It was the 25th day of Kislev, and wintertime. Jerusalem needed light! Israel needed light! Judah, a priest himself, decided that the hanukkat, the dedication of the newly cleansed Temple would take place, and that the Menorah would be lit with the oil that had been found. More sacred oil had been commissioned, but it would take several days to prepare. The Menorah would burn until the oil ran out. And that’s the best part of this story …

The oil lasted for eight days!

Judah, John, Eleazar, Simon and Jonathan – the priests from Modi’in, and the band of warriors they had gathered, had fought long and hard, and delivered Israel from its enemy; but, it was the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that had the last word.

The Menorah burned bright in Jerusalem because Israel’s God supplied the miracle. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says Adonai Tzivaoth, the LORD of Hosts.

Grandfather said that it was the Ruach haKodesh that lit up Jerusalem for those eight days, God’s Holy Spirit. He had brought light and hope back to His people, Israel.

My father then shook his head in disbelief, and the debate over who actually delivered us grew passionate and loud. The debate continued through the delicious meal my mother had made. There was never a dull moment in our house. I wondered how my mother could be so at peace, when the men she loved so dearly were always yelling and debating something. She went about her daily chores, her pretty face lit with a wonderful smile. Her eyes twinkled, like her father’s. Did the same fire that burned in my grandfather’s spirit burn in her also?

Hineh lo yanum v’lo yishan shomer Israel. Every evening I went to sleep hearing my grandfather singing this song. I knew that Israel’s God, my God, watched over me all the time. The one watching over both of us didn’t need sleep. I suspected that He probably didn’t have to eat His vegetables, either, but I would debate that another time. Tonight, grandfather spoke about the writings of Daniel, a prince of Judah who had lived during the exile in Babylon. Daniel was a dreamer of dreams – God’s dreams. He was shown things that would happen in the future. Daniel was shown the days when Antiochus would rise up and declare himself to be God. The appalling abomination, the desecration our temple and its practices, is clearly written out. Epiphanes’ defeat is also recorded. It all happened, as Daniel said. And there was one more thing, grandfather said.

The Messiah is here.

Hanukkah is about freedom and deliverance. It is about courage waged against incredible odds. It’s about hope conquering despair. It’s about light overcoming darkness.

It’s about the faithfulness of the Holy One of Israel.

Everything was about to fall into place. Grandfather had given me a very special gift this Feast of Dedication.

A visit to the Temple in Jerusalem!

My grandfather’s step was lighter these days, especially after visiting Jerusalem during Sukkot. Something, or someone had impacted him greatly. The arguments between my father and grandfather had grown in volume and seriousness since that time. My young ears did not understand what I was hearing, but I knew that grandfather was experiencing something that was causing great uneasiness, not only in our home, but our village, as well.

Was it the Messiah? Had grandfather seen the Promised One to Israel while in Jerusalem?

It was a chilly winter’s day, yet I felt strangely warm. My grandfather’s excitement was contagious. As we walked into the Temple area, I saw a great crowd of people surrounding someone speaking in Solomon’s Porch. I looked up at my grandfather, and his eyes danced with fire. I had never seen that look before. I thought I was going to explode with curiosity.

With a surge of strength, grandfather picked me up and headed in the direction of a strong, passionate voice. He managed to push his way through the crowd. I will never forget what I saw. Before me stood a man that carried authority and power, yet he had the kindest face I had ever seen. His eyes sparkled with the glint of heaven, and his smile told me that there was nothing to fear. I watched as my grandfather’s eyes met the eyes of this man, and knew that this was the One.

Here was Israel’s Messiah.

My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me.

My spirit is on fire, ignited by unseen oil.

I give them eternal life, and they are Mine, forever.

I know that from this day forward, Hanukkah will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

On this Hanukkah, on this Feast of Dedication, Yeshua, I dedicate my life to You.

Scriptures

Psalm 121:4
Daniel 8:21-25; 11:21-35
I & II Maccabees (Apocrypha)
6John 10:22-39

HANUKKAH RECIPES

Soufganiot (plural of soufgania, just in case you’re wondering) are very traditional, especially in Israel. These jelly donuts were considered a delicacy in the court of Marie Antoinette. (She lost her head over them.) Today, they are necessary eating at Hanukkah. Jewish bakeries abound with these during this season. If you aren’t up to baking your own (recipe follows), or aren’t close to a Jewish bakery, Tim Hortons (a Canadian tradition anytime!!) will suffice. The only thing to remember is the Hebrew prayer before you eat them. This brachah (blessing) will turn them into genuine Hanukkah fare! (No, really. Would I lie to you at Hanukkah?? J )

Soufganiot

Yields 12

1 tsp (5ml) dried yeast
¼ c (50ml) lukewarm milk or water
2 tbsp (30ml) sugar
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
3 tbsp (45ml) sour cream or vegetable oil
2 – 3 drops of vanilla extract
zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 2/3 c (250g) flour + more, if needed
apricot, red-current, or raspberry jam
confectioners’ sugar

1) Dissolve yeast in milk or water with 1 tsp (5ml) of sugar. Leave 10 minutes, until frothy.

2) Beat rest of sugar with whole egg and yolk. Add sour cream or oil, salt, vanilla, yeast mix. Beat very well.

3) Add flour gradually. Beat until dough is soft, smooth and elastic. Add more flour, if necessary.

4) Knead dough for 5 minutes. Coat dough with a drop of oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave in warm place until double in size.

5) Knead for a couple of minutes, then roll out on floured board 1/2” thickness. Cut into 2” rounds with cookie cutter, or glass.

6) Let rise for 30 minutes more.

7) Heat oil in fryer or deep pan until 375oF. Drop dough into oil a few at a time. When brown, turn over and do other side.

8) Drain on paper towel.

9) When cool enough to touch, inject your favourite jam into donut. It is now ready to be rolled in confectioners’ sugar.

10) ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Potato Latkes

Yes, it’s true. We eat latkes anytime. Hanukkah is really just an excuse to eat, and eat, and eat far too many, and not feel guilty. (Some believe the Hanukkah fairy comes and takes all the bad stuff out of them, so we can really enjoy them at this time.)

Latkes can be made from a lot of different things. Today, there are zucchini latkes, sweet potato latkes, carrot and celery latkes, and they are flavoured with many different spices. You can even make latkes out of apples. Just remember to eat them with plenty of sour cream and applesauce (homemade’s the best!).

After 150 years, I can say I make great potato latkes. I just make, and don’t really have a definite recipe. Any Jewish cookbook will have a latke recipe. None will be the same. Today, food processors make the preparation quite simple. However, there’s just something about hand-grated potatoes and onions. The secret, I believe, is to make sure that as much of the liquid as possible is squeezed out of the mixture, before frying. Here’s roughly how I make them:

3-4 medium potatoes, grated
1 onion, grated
1 egg
matzah meal, or flour, sprinkled over mixture
salt to taste
oil for frying
sour cream, apple sauce, confectioners’ sugar, or whatever, for accompaniment

(Some have been known to eat these with horse radish! L )

The less matzah meal you use, the less dense the latke. Mix everything with your hands. Squeeze out excess liquid. Add any of the above ingredients, as required. (It’s a test. J )

Have oil heating in fry pan. Place mixture, a tablespoon at a time, into hot oil. When golden on bottom, turn over and do other side. They should be crispy.

Drain well on paper towel.

Latkes are best eaten soon after cooking. However, if you have to cook lots and lots and lots for your party, latkes can be made ahead. Make sure they are well drained. Simply pop them into the oven to reheat. You can also nuke them, but they will be a little soggy.

Eat them (without guilt) with whatever you choose.

Remember. No more than 12 should be eaten at one sitting. J Should you considering diving in for more, please wait at least one hour.

Marshmallow Sevivon / Dreydls (Spinning Top)

Playing sevivon (Hebrew), or dreydl (Yiddish), is very much a part of Hanukkah. There are four Hebrew letters on a sevivon:

= Nun = Nes =miracle
= Gimmel = Gadol = great
= Hey = Hayah = happened
= Shin = Sham = there (outside of Israel)
= Pey = Poh = here (in Israel)

A great miracle happened there (here, if you are in Israel!).

The Hebrew gematria (study of numerical value of Hebrew letters) says the letters are significant because they add up to xysm , Mashiach, the Messiah. How so?

= Mem = 40
= Shin = 300
= Yud = 10
= Het = 8
= 358
= Nun =50
= Gimmel =3
= Hey =5
= Shin =300
= 358

It’s necessary to note, however, that this only works in diaspora (outside of Israel), because the letter p’s (pey) numerical value is 80. What can I say? It’s a whole other world.

There is a Hasidic saying concerning the sevivon. “Even when we are few and weak, and our enemies are many and strong, one sevivon spin can change everything as happened in the days of the miracle of Hanukkah.”

Sevivon saved many a Torah lesson, and Jewish life. Study of Torah was forbidden by many of Israel’s captors. Lessons would take place, but when a enemy soldier or guard happened along, the top would come out, and a game of sevivon was played. Torah and Hebrew lessons would continue to take place using the sevivon. Those not knowing what was transpiring, believed the Jews to be quite simple and foolish in their childish pursuit of sevivon.

Traditional Sevivon is a game piece played in different ways in various Jewish communities. Some just spin a sevivon, read the letters and are reminded of the great miracles that God has done for our Jewish people throughout the ages. Others play a game with the four Hebrew letters. This game is played for candies, nuts, coins, etc. that are received as presents at Hanukkah. Everyone puts something into the centre pot. Each player gets to spin the top, going clockwise. When the sevivon drops, the letter facing up determines what happens. Nun mean no win/no lose; Gimmel allows the player to take the entire pot. Once the pot is taken, it is then replenished and the next player spins. Heh allows the person who spins to take half the pot. Spinning a Shin or Pey means you lose, and you are out of the game. The last one standing, or the one ending up with all the goodies, wins!

WARNING!! Compulsive gamblers beware! All night sevivon games can be hazardous to your health (and waistline, especially if you’re the one winning)!

This is how to make a candy sevivon. These don’t spin very well. If you want to play a game, it’s probably advisable to buy one. (Or, you can make one out of clay! O dreydl, dreydl, dreydl…)

For each sevivon, assemble:

1 large marshmallow
1 3” licorice stick
1 candy kiss
icing (chocolate would be my choice)

Stick the licorice through the marshmallow. Attach it at other end with candy kiss.

Paint the letters on marshmallow body with the icing.

Too many of these will definitely make you feel not very good.

Other Food and Traditions

Remember. Hanukkah is the time to remember the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. Anything cooked in a lot of oil can be considered “traditional” at this time – donuts, latkes, fritters, chicken. Go for it.

In Russia, there is a Hanukkah “tea ceremony.” A sugar cube covered with brandy is placed on a spoon and lit on fire. The burning sugar is then placed into a glass of tea.

In Italy, battered chicken pieces are fried in oil. (No, chicken McNuggets do not count!)

In some Sephardic circles, fritters fried in oil and eaten with syrup is traditional.

In some places, dairy products are traditional at Hanukkah. This is in honour of Judith, heroine of the Apocryphal book of the same name. Judith, like Yael in the Book of Judges, defeated an enemy of the Jewish people. She made Holofernes, a Syrian and the bad guy in this story, fall in love with her. It is reported that she fed him lots of salty cheese so that he would drink lots of wine. When he had fallen asleep, Judith lopped off his head, and saved the Jewish people (along with the Maccabee boys, but that’s another story).