The Three Voices of Chanukah

The Three Voices of Chanukah
While the majority of historical knowledge about Chanukah comes from the ancient book of Maccabees, the Talmud also discusses (Tractate Shabbat 22b) the laws and history of this special holiday.

Of course, paramount among the traditions was the finding of the flask of oil with seal of the high priest, and the subsequent lighting of the Menorah. It miraculously burned for eight days, until new olive oil was brought.

This article draws attention to three different Chanukah stories found in the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) that provides a unique perspective into this holiday.

1. The Men's War:
The prayer Al Hanisim (that is recited throughout Chanukah in the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon) focuses on the miraculous victory of the Hasmoneans Kohanim (priests) against the powerful Syrian-Greeks and their ruler King Antiyochus Epiphenes. This story focuses on the men who fought in those battles, their bravery and self-sacrifice, and the miracle they experienced through the victory of the war.

2: A Woman's Courage:
Our sages also recounted the story of Yehudit, daughter of Yochanan Kohen Gadol (High Priest), who through her courage, brought salvation for the Jews. The Greeks had decreed that all Jewish women were to present themselves prior to marriage to the commanding general, to be violated first. Yehudit feigned interest in the general to gain access, proceeded to feed him dairy delicacies, and when he grew thirsty fed him wine until he fell asleep. She then killed him and brought his head to Jerusalem. This heroic act caused great panic and confusion amongst the enemy, which led to the downfall of the Greeks. This second story focuses on the courage of Jewish women, and their specific contribution to the victory of the holiday.


3. Children's Sacrifice
Finally, we are told of the moving story of Chana and her seven sons. King Antiochus had decreed that everyone was to worship his idols. As a result of their refusal to bow down to idols and conform to the idol worshiping practices, Chana and her children were brought before Antiochus. He demanded that they bow to him under the penalty of death. One by one, her innocent children refused, and in turn, were murdered by the dictator.

When Chana's youngest child was brought before the king, he had a smidgen of compassion for the young boy. The king said, "I will settle my ring down to the floor, just bend down and pick it up. You will be essentially picking up the ring not bowing to me". The child staunchly refused to bow down in any shape or fashion before the king, and sadly experienced the same cruel fate as his brothers. In one of the greatest acts of self sacrifice in Jewish history, Chana watched all of her children slaughtered, for refusing to give up their faith.  This story brings to the fore the role and sacrifice of children in the story of Chanukah.

Perhaps, the reason that we are told these three specific stories, each one focusing on a different demographic of our people, is so we can  properly appreciate and celebrate Hanukkah. Chanukah is not a holiday for one gender or specific class of people. It isn't an adults-only party, but rather, a holiday that brings the entire community together, the entire family, in celebration of the miracles that Hashem did for us.

It is for this very reason that we are told then we must light the Chanukah lights "when other people are around", because when we are not celebrating with each component of our community, we are lacking in the essence of this precious holiday.*

Chag Sameach - Happy Chanukah!
May the candles burn brightly and be an inspiration to all of the world, Amen.

* If there is no one else around it is a Halchachic dilemma whether one may recite a blessing or not.