Israel Matzav

Too many Hellenists, too few Maccabees

Debbie Schlussel summarizes the state of the Jewish people on this, the first day of Chanuka, 5768:

I always spent at least one of the nights of Chanukah lighting the Menorah (candelabra--on Chanukah, it has 9 prongs for candles; see below) and saying the Chanukah blessings with my late father. This is the first Chanukah without him, so this holiday--one of my favorites--will be bittersweet. But we both loved this holiday because it is a celebration of the Jews--under siege and with all odds against them--vanquishing their enemy.

Today, that enemy--Islamism--is not just the Jews' enemy. It is the enemy of us all. Will we receive the Chanukah-style miracles against it that our necessary for its defeat? Well, we Jews believe that G-d helps those who help themselves. He helped the Maccabees, but it was they who took the initiative to fight. Today, I see very few Maccabees and way too many Hellenists--those who allied with the Greek oppressor in the Chanukah story.

Last year, I received an e-mail message from my friend, the great American patriot, Ruth S. King. Her message which embodies my sentiments to all of my readers, regardless of faith, so I republish it here, as I did last year:

I'm never a hundred percent sure of how to spell it, but I do know that it is a holiday of triumph of good versus evil and Jews versus their oppressors. May you and all those you love have a healthy and wonderful holiday. May we prevail over the millions of enemies we have. May America and Israel survive in strength, deterrence and determination. And, a special thanks to those not of our faith whose friendship and support are crucial and inspiring.

Amen.

A little more about Chanukah: The eight-day Jewish holiday starts at sundown tonight, the first of eight nights and days. And I cannot wait to light my Menorah (the 9 candle candelabra--the ninth one, the "shamash," lights the other eight).

Contrary to Hallmark and American Greetings, Chanukah (also spelled a million other ways as Ruth King notes above; see explanation, below) is NOT a major Jewish holiday. But it has been "elevated" to one, due to its close proximity on the calendar to Christmas. Still, it is the magnificent story of the will to survive coupled with so many miracles. It has so many lessons for the fight we face against extremist Muslims all over the world.

Cute kids bli ayin hara. Have to remember to ask her if they're hers. In the meantime, read the whole thing.

And Happy Chanuka Debbie!

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:40 AM