The Hebrew word Chanukah means dedication, for it was in those days at this time that the Holy Temple was dedicated. The Altar therein may be described as the gateway to heaven. Sacrifices were brought upon the Altar and were consumed by a heavenly fire creating a “Ray’ach Nichoh’ach LaHashem” (a pleasant, savory smell to G-d).

This precious service was interrupted by the Syrian Greeks who sought to Hellenize the Jewish population of Eretz Yirsoel. The Hellenists claimed that the Jewish brand of Monotheism was outdated. Instead they tried to coerce the Jewish into embracing the idol-worshipping practices of ancient Greece. Most Jews fiercely resisted this intrusion into their sacred beliefs, but alas some did fall under the influence of the Hellenists.

The difference between Judaism and Hellenism is as stark as night and day. The major emphasis of the Greek religion was celebrating physical beauty, particularly the human form, whereas Judaism has always put a premium instead on the more enduring spiritual beauty of the soul. As these ideals clashed passive resistance on the part of the Jews changed into violent warfare. The small band of Jewish warriors grew, and ultimately were able to drive out the vastly more powerful armies of King Antiochus IV, the Syrian Greek ruler of Israel.

When did this great miracle come to its fruition? The Rabbis tell us that the “Rededication” of the Holy Temple occurred on the 25^th of the Hebrew Month of Kislev. Hence we have the name Chanukah, which means “They rested on the 25^th.”

Still another lesson about the name Chanukah is available to us when we see that this word is related to the Hebrew word “Chinuch,” which means education. The Hellenists may have been evil but they were not fools. They fully understood that the Jewish “stubborn” refusal to embrace their lifestyle was a direct result of the only true enlightenment, which comes as a result of Jewish education. They therefore attempted to undermine Jewish learning and practice. Sever a Jew from the Torah, they reasoned, and the Jew is severed from Judaism. Little did they know that Jews would gladly sacrifice everything – even their lives – to keep their connection with Hashem through the Torah and its teachings!

The Rabbinic Holiday of Chanukah has far-reaching implications for all of us. We see that the main miracle is the military victory of the Macabees over the Syrian Greeks (so much so that the traditionally added prayer of “Vi’All Hanissim” mentions the miracle of the Menorah staying lit for eight days as a kind of after thought). We see clearly that sometimes we must physically fight for what is right. We see that our enemies want to undermine our connection to G-d so they try to undermine our connection with His Torah; so to fight our enemies we must strengthen our bonds with the Torah. Finally, we see that just a little bit of light drives away a great deal of darkness.

Chanukah is celebrated during the winter, when the days are shortest. Specifically at this time we kindle our Chanukah lights, and we do so specifically in a place where the light from the Menorah (or alternatively the Chanukiah) spreads to the outside, to illuminate a dark world. Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, for this is how long the pure, kosher olive oil lasted until more could be manufactured and brought to the Temple. Eight is a significant number, as it represents one beyond the natural order of things that are represented by seven. In fact, the eight days of Chanukah are an allusion to the times of Moshiach, when a harp with eight strings will be played in the Holy Temple.

Let us all celebrate this Chanukah with a heart overflowing with thanksgiving and joy for the miracles wrought by the Almighty some 2500 years ago. But let us also resolve to incorporate the applicable lessons of this wondrous holiday into our own lives. Indeed, the light must be kindled in our homes but must also illuminate outside of our home as well. This means we have an obligation to include our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters, who may not be fully aware of the deep significance of Chanukah, in our celebrations! Happy Chanukah one and all!