Hanukkah: the Festival of Lights

The Honorable Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, Founder and 1st Holy Patriarch

HANUKKAH: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5.14-16

THE HOLY ORDER OF THE MACCABEES A BASIC REVIEW OF THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF HANUKKAH

Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, Holy Patriarch and Presiding Bishop

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The Re-dedication of the Temple

“Now that our enemies have been defeated, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and dedicate it” – 1Maccabee 4.36

“Maccabaeus and his companions, under the Lord's guidance, restored the Temple and the city, and pulled down the altars erected by the foreigners in the market place, as well as the shrines. They purified the sanctuary and built another altar; … This day of the purification of the Temple fell on the very day on which the Temple had been profaned by the foreigners, the twenty-fifth of the same month, Chislev. …Judas, with his brothers and the whole assembly of Israel, made it a law that the days of the dedication of the altar should be celebrated yearly at the proper season, for eight days beginning on the twenty-fifth of the month of Chislev, with rejoicing and gladness.” – 2 Maccabees 10.1-3, 1 Maccabee 4.56

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ...... 4 JESUS AND THE CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH ...... 7 COLLECTIVE REFLECTION ...... 10 PERSONAL REFLECTION ...... 11

HANUKKAH AND THE SEASON OF ADVENT

For members of the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church, the celebration of Hanukkah is a part of our annual observance of the Holy Season of Advent, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The word ‘Hanukkah’, means dedication. During Hanukkah, we revisit the history of GOD’s intervention in the lives of ancient Israel, through the victory of the Maccabees; an intervention that made it possible for Israel to remain a people until the coming of the messiah. During this season, we seek to re-dedicate our lives to the service of GOD, through a renewed or greater commitment to the spiritual and philosophical teachings of BCN and a renewed or greater participation in the programs and ministries of the church. Together, these constitute the foundation for building the Kingdom of God, a communal, counter – culture lifestyle, guided by our Best Self Theology, and the principle “there is nothing more sacred than the liberation of Black people.”

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HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Hanukkah, also known as oppressors.4 Refusal meant a gruesome and the Feast of Dedication1, torturous death5. or the Festival of Lights2, is an 8-day celebration, commemorating the renewal and While some chose to accept the foreign idols, re-dedication of the Holy temple in out of the mistaken notion of becoming Jerusalem, back to the GOD of Israel, after a modern and being accepted amongst the 3 – year period of foreign worship and nations6, others chose to go along out of fear7. domination3. In 167 B.C., under the reign of Yet there were others, who refused to the infamous King Antiochus IV, a decree abandon the God of their ancestors8, but was issued to the Israelites, forcing them to would not defend themselves either, and so abandon their covenant with GOD, cease all they were killed as martyrs9. The Israelites religious and cultural observances that were faced with cultural and physical identified them as the people of GOD, and annihilation, just as the lost tribes of Israel then adopt the foreign gods of their Greek faced centuries earlier.10

“57 Whenever anyone was discovered possessing a copy of the covenant or practising the Law, the king's decree sentenced him to death. 58 Month after month they took harsh action against any offenders they discovered in the towns of Israel... 60 Women who had had their children circumcised were put to death according to the edict 61 with their babies hung round their necks, and the members of their household and those who had performed the circumcision were executed with them.” – 1 Maccabee 1.57 – 58, 60 – 61

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

What is Hanukkah? Why is it important to our faith?

1 John 10.22 independent nation until they were conquered by the 2 The name ‘Festival of Lights,’ comes from the Jewish Babylonians in 586 B.C. However, unlike their fellow historian Flavious Josephus. tribesmen of the former northern kingdom, only the 3 The prophecy of days referenced in the book of leadership of the nation and their families were Daniel (Daniel 8:9 – 14) is referring to this 3 – year deported. So, the nation continued to exist as a vassal period of time in which the temple worship and state under the Babylonian empire. When the Persians sacrifices had ceased. conquered the Babylonians, the families that were 4 1 Maccabee 1.41 – 53 deported, were later allowed to return under the 5 1 Maccabee 1.41 – 64, 2 Maccabees 7.1 – ff leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra, to rebuild the 6 1 Maccabee 1.11 temple and the nation. From this point, Israel existed 7 2 Maccabee … as a semi – independent nation with complete religious 8 1 Maccabee 1. freedom under the direction and rule of the high priest. 9 1 Maccabee 2.29 – 38 However, they had to pay an annual tribute and 10 2 Kings 17.6 – ff: the northern kingdom of Israel provide military support during times of war. It was was conquered by the Assyrians and dispersed not only this semi-autonomous existence that was at throughout the Assyrian empire in 722 B.C. Other stake under Antiochus IV, their actual physical groups were then brought in to re-settle the land. As a existence as a nation was being threatened just like the result, the northern kingdom ceased to exist as a nation former lost tribes of Israel. The Maccabee rebellion and has since been referred to as the lost tribes of effectively put a stop to this threat, making it possible Israel. The 2 remaining tribes that made up the for Israel to continue to exist as a nation and the future southern kingdom of Judah, continued to exist as an arrival of the Black Messiah Jesus, as we now know it. [4]

HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

And then arose a priest named Mattathias11, Maccabees put their faith and his five sons12, who became known as the in GOD, and they won. MACCABEES, THE HAMMERS OF GOD, who After three years of fighting, they re-captured would neither give up their God, OR their the holy temple , and restored its worship to lives without a fight. And so, they fought with the God of Israel in 164 BC14. And so, the blessings of GOD and the guidance of the Hanukkah celebrates the intervention of Holy Spirit. They declared holy war against GOD, through the victory of the Maccabees, the Syrian empire13. While their enemies put in one of the darkest periods in the history of their faith in the superior capabilities, ancient Israel15. experience, and equipment of their army, the

“19 Raising his voice, Mattathias retorted, "Even if every nation living in the king's dominions obeys him, each forsaking its ancestral religion to conform to his decrees, 20 I, my sons and my brothers will still follow the covenant of our ancestors. 21 May Heaven preserve us from forsaking the Law and its observances. 22 As for the king's orders, we will not follow them: we shall not swerve from our own religion either to right, or to left.” – 1 Maccabee 2.19 – 22

“Maccabaeus marshalled his men, who numbered about six thousand, and exhorted them not to be dismayed at the enemy or discouraged at the vast horde of gentiles wickedly advancing against them, but to fight bravely, keeping before their eyes the outrage committed by them against the holy place and the infamous and scornful treatment inflicted on the city, not to mention the destruction of their traditional way of life. `They may put their trust in their weapons and their exploits," he said, "but our confidence is in almighty God, who is able with a single nod to overthrow both those marching on us and the whole world with them." – 2 Maccabee 8:16 – 18

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

What lessons of faith can we learn from the story of Hanukkah?

11 1 Maccabee 2.1: Mattathias was a member of the memory of Israel even during the ministry of Jesus. In priestly clan of Joarib, the first of the priestly clans fact, it was so prominent, in many circles, the expected after the high priest. He died shortly after starting the Messiah was thought to be a figure like Judas rebellion, leaving Judas and Simon in charge of the Maccabee. war effort. Judas as the commander and Simon as the 13 The holy war was initiated by Mattathias in counselor. December of 167. The re-dedication of the temple 12 1 Maccabee 2.2 – 5: John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar, occurred in December of 164. During that time, the and Jonathan. Judas was appointed as the commander Maccabees fought four major battles against Seleucid of the rebellion. The name Maccabee, was first applied forces, decisively winning three and fighting to a draw to Judas, and then later extended to his family and then on the fourth. These victories made it possible to move their followers. Jonathan was the first of the Maccabee on Jerusalem and capture the temple. brothers to be appointed as the high priest of Israel. 14 The temple was restored exactly 3 years after it was Simeon was the second to be appointed as high priest defiled. and also the one to inaugurate an independent nation 15 This was the original celebration of Hanukkah. The of Israel for the first time since the Babylonian miracle of the oil was added much later. See the next captivity in 586 B.C. The stature of the Maccabees, note (#16) for more information. particularly Judas, held a prominent place in the [5]

HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

However, the story power of the Holy Spirit, GOD kept the doesn’t end there. covenant promise to protect and provide for According to legend16, during the cleansing the people of faith. of the temple, the Maccabees could only find enough oil to light the menorah for 1 day. During the season of Advent, we celebrate Rather than wait for new oil to be pressed, the and anticipate the triumph of GOD’s Maccabees lit the supply they had and intervention through the expected arrival of miraculously, the 1- day supply of oil lasted the messiah; a time when the Light of GOD for 8 days. The miracle of the oil, was seen as overcomes the spirit of darkness in the world. confirmation by the Holy Spirit, that their Hanukkah, affirms this triumph by reminding victory on the battle field, was indeed a us that GOD, the source of all light, is capable miracle orchestrated by GOD, and not the of overcoming darkness, as seen through the mere might of men or their tactical ingenuity. victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil. GOD is indeed the ultimate force Hence, the celebration of Hanukkah, is not multiplier, able to create abundance from just a celebration of the military victory won meager resources. So with faith, if we are by the Maccabees, which itself is significant. willing to take the first step, dedicating all More importantly, it’s a celebration of that we are, and all that we have, however GOD’s intervention on behalf of the much or however little we feel that may be, downtrodden and the oppressed. Through the GOD can make up the difference.

“Maccabaeus and his companions, under the Lord's guidance, restored the Temple and the city, and pulled down the altars erected by the foreigners in the market place, as well as the shrines. They purified the sanctuary and built another altar; … Judas, with his brothers and the whole assembly of Israel, made it a law that the days of the dedication of the altar should be celebrated yearly at the proper season, for eight days beginning on the twenty-fifth of the month of Chislev, with rejoicing and gladness.” – 2 Maccabees 10.1-3, 1 Maccabee 4.56

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

Why was the miracle of the oil added to the historic event of Hanukkah?

Does the addition of the miracle of the oil distract from the historical event of Hanukkah or does it add to its meaning?

16 The legendary account of the oil was created and they had to find another way to view the story of emphasized to down play the military victory of the Hanukkah. Hence, the miracle of the oil. The first Maccabees and to promote a non-violent view of known account that reports the miracle of the oil was Hanukkah. Due to the violent nature of the Maccabees found in rabbinical literature dating sometime around armed resistance, and the eventual defeat and 200 A.D. However, none of the original historical destruction of the Jewish nation and temple by the records that either tell the story of the Hanukkah or Romans in 77 A.D., some rabbis were concerned that make reference to it, i.e., the 1st and 2nd books of the celebrating a holiday that commemorated the victory Maccabees, the book of Daniel, various references in of an armed resistance movement would incite further the synoptic gospels, other Jewish literature, or the violence and destruction of their people. The nation writings of Josephus, mentions the miracle of the oil. and the temple had already been destroyed, therefore [6]

JESUS AND THE CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. John 10.22-23

For many Christians, it seems easy to ignore inspirational, charismatic military leader who or take for granted that Jesus was in fact a would lead a war effort against the Romans Jew; a Jew who was well versed in the history just as Judas did against the Greeks.18 Jesus, and culture of his people. Like many of his however, was not a military strategist, he was fellow brothers and sisters, Jesus observed a spiritual strategist. Jesus understood that his and understood the significance of people needed a spiritual restoration before Hanukkah, known then as the “Festival of they could achieve a physical liberation. Dedication or Festival of Lights”. Therefore, he sought to restore and re- dedicate the spirit of his people to God just as Jesus was no doubt aware of the history and the Maccabees had restored and re-dedicated significance of Hanukkah.17 He knew the the temple. In other words, Jesus sought to do suspense many of the people were in spiritually, what the Maccabees did surrounding his identity was the result of physically. In essence, he came to complete their yearning for another Judas Maccabee. what the Maccabees had started. The messiah they were expecting was an

24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” – John 10:24

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

What impact, if any, do you think the history and significance of Hanukkah had on the people’s expectation of the coming messiah?

17 The mere fact that this passage opens with a demonstrates the significant influence and memory of reference to the ‘Feast of Dedication’ or Hanukkah, the Maccabees during the contemporary times of demonstrates Jesus and the people’s awareness of Jesus. Hanukkah and its significance. Keep in mind, the 18 The success of the Maccabees under the leadership legendary account of the miracle of the oil had not yet of Judas and his brothers became the example model been developed. So the only understanding of of how to organize a resistance movement. As a result, Hanukkah during this time was directly related to the the expected messiah in many circles, was expected to capture and re-dedication of the temple, i.e. the be a Maccabean figure. While this was not a universal intervention of God thru the military actions of the belief amongst all Jews, because there was indeed a Maccabees. See note #17(?) on page 15(?) for more variety of beliefs about the appearance of a messianic info. Moreover, the memory of the Maccabees during figure from an earthly figure to a heavenly one and this period was still very influential, especially among everything in between, during the celebration of those individuals and groups of people who wanted to Hanukkah or the Festival of Dedication, the rid themselves of Roman oppression. In his book, predominant thought at that particular moment, would ‘Maccabees, Zealots, and Josephus’, Dr. W.R. Farmer be the expectation of a Maccabee messianic figure. [7]

JESUS AND THE CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH

Jesus knowledge of the Maccabees. Like the Maccabees, Jesus history of Hanukkah and defended the Law and the Covenant when he the Maccabees helped to fashioned his proclaimed, “I came to fulfill the law not ministry just as Jaramogi Abebe’s knowledge abolish it…” and, “not one letter shall be of the Honorable Marcus Garvey and the removed from the law…”20 Like Mattathias, UNIA helped to fashion the PAOCC. Both Jesus was not bound to the narrow Jesus and Jaramogi saw the strength and understanding of the Law and the Covenant power in the vision and commitment of each imposed by ‘tradition’. Following the of their predecessors. However, they also precedent set by Mattathias when he issued recognized and learned from their the decree allowing for self-defense on the weaknesses. Both the Maccabees and the Sabbath21, Jesus proclaimed “the Sabbath UNIA focused on changing the external was made for man, not man for the conditions of their people, with little attention Sabbath”22, therefore, he continued to do to the internal, which is ultimately why the good works on behalf of others even if it was successes of both movements were short on the Sabbath.23 Like Simon, Jesus entered lived.19 Lasting change requires the city triumphantly to the sounds of the transformation of the heart and continual crowds chanting and waving palm guidance of the Holy Spirit. branches.24 Like Judas, Jesus captured the temple and cleansed it by running off the Like many other revolutionaries in his day, money changers.25 Jesus followed in part, the path of the

39 When Mattathias and his friends learned about this, they deeply mourned for the dead. 40 They said to each other: “If we all do as our people have done and refuse to fight against the Gentiles for our lives and our commandments, they will soon eliminate us from the earth.” 41 So they decided that day: “We will fight against anyone who comes to attack us on the Sabbath. Let’s not all die as our people did in their hiding places.” – 1 Maccabees 2:39 – 41

10… Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 11He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." – Matthew 12:10 – 12

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

What impact, if any, do you think the history and significance of Hanukkah had on the ministry of Jesus?

19 The Maccabee (Hasmoean) Dynasty lasted less 23 Luke 6.1 – 11 than 100 years…, from 140(?) to 67(?). the UNIA, 24 1 Maccabee 13.51 & John 12.13 20 Matthew 5.17, 18 25 1 Maccabee 4.36 – 51, 2 Maccabee 10.1 – 3 & 21 1 Maccabee 2.39 – 41 John 2.13 – 15, Mark 11.15 – 19, Matthew 21.12 – 22 Mark 2.27, Matthew 12:10 – 12 17, Luke 19.45 – 48 [8]

JESUS AND THE CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH

However, Jesus knew the Maccabee struggle Father are one.”28 The was in part a civil war, waged not just against significance of the Greeks, but also against their own proclaiming this during Hanukkah essentially people.26 He knew they (their understanding) captures the whole point of Jesus ministry lacked the necessary patience, forgiveness, and the reason for celebrating Hanukkah; to and compassion needed for healing the restore the unity between man and GOD. national rifts between the people. As a result, Jesus didn’t make this statement to point out Jesus emphasized these qualities. That’s why his unique relationship with GOD; rather, he he taught that we should go the extra mile, made this statement to point out that all forgive repeatedly, and turn the other cheek. people can have this relationship with GOD While these teachings can be universally if they restore their relationships with each applied, they were specifically for Israel. other and dedicate their lives to doing GOD’s Jesus knew these qualities were necessary to will. This is the essence of Hanukkah. This is build a strong, unified people who could why we celebrate and commemorate the stand for God. He understood the quality of Maccabees restoration of the temple, because our relationships with each other determine it reminds us of the continual need to restore the quality of our relationship with God.27 and re-dedicate our lives to GOD, to renew our pledge and commitment to protecting and In response to the people’s question in the serving God’s kingdom. Jesus celebrated opening passage; Jesus later states, “I and the Hanukkah and so do we.

The significance of proclaiming this during Hanukkah essentially captures the whole point of Jesus ministry and the reason for celebrating Hanukkah; to restore the unity between man and GOD.

REVIEW AND REFLECT:

What does it mean to be one with GOD? Do you believe you and GOD can be one, just as Jesus proclaimed he and God were one? Explain.

26 The holy war was initiated by Mattathias with the GOD. slaying of a fellow Jew. Jesus knew this type of 27 1 John 4:20 intolerance was counterproductive for the kingdom of 28 John 10:30 [9]

HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

COLLECTIVE REFLECTION

Now that we have reviewed the basic history and meaning of Hanukkah, take a few moments to reflect on the events of our lives as a people. In what ways has God intervened in our lives? Through what means did God facilitate these interventions; was it through the inspired leadership of a charismatic individual(s), an organization, movement, or rebellion, or perhaps through a natural or supernatural occurrence, or some other unforeseen or unexplainable event? Make a list of these moments to remind us when God’s steadfast love and commitment to our people provided a light in the dark moments of our lives. Keep the list handy so you can add to it and reflect on it as necessary.

And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. – Isaiah 42:16 [10]

HANUKKAH: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Now that you know the basic history and meaning of the celebration of Hanukkah, take a few moments to reflect on the events of your personal life. In what ways has GOD intervened in your life? Through what means did GOD facilitate these interventions; was it through a personal revelation, assistance from family, friends or strangers, or perhaps through a natural or supernatural occurrence, or some other unforeseen or unexplainable event? Make a list of these moments to help remind you when GOD’s steadfast love and commitment to you provided a light in the dark moments of your life. Keep the list handy so you can add to it and reflect on it as necessary.

HANUKKAH SYMBOLS AND MEANING

Menorah: Olive Oil: Symbol of God’s presence and eternal light Symbol of purity and the Spirit of God

LIGHTING THE HANUKKAH MENORAH

The Hanukkah menorah is a nine branch candle holder, which holds one candle for each day of the celebration and an additional candle used solely for lighting all the others. The additional one is called the shammash (servant).

The shammash is usually placed in the center or at the end of the menorah. For our observance, we place it in the center to symbolize the light and power of God and our desire to place God at the center of our lives.

The candles are placed on the menorah starting on the right and moving to the left. One candle is added each day. This symbolizes the light and power of God gradually overcoming the darkness of the world, as well as our desire to increase the influence of God’s light and power in our daily lives.

Once the appropriate number of candles have been placed in the menorah, the candles are lit from left to right, starting with the newest candle first. This symbolizes the newness of life and the new opportunities that arise daily to let our light shine. New opportunities that are born from the light of God’s grace and mercy.

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