Chanukah Festival Unites Families
Chanukah, of lights, the Jewish festi vel of light is celebrated in synagogues and homes round the world every year for eight days, this time from December 7 to 14. It commemorates the triumph of the Jews, under the Maccabees, over the Greek rulers - both in spiritual and physical terms. Its sanctity derives from this victory and a miracle when a portion of sacramental olive oil meant to keep the temple candelabrum lit for one day lasted eight days, the time it took for the temple to be rededicated. Candles are lit each evening- one on the first night, two on the second, and so on -in commemoration of the miracle at the temple. The Chanukah message focuses strongly on aspects of restored sovereignty. Customs widely practised in the diaspora are gift-giving andthe dreidel or four-sided spin- ning top whose sides are marked with Hebrew initials representing the message, "A great miracle occurred here". The lights also symbolise the lightof theTorah During Chanukah Jews eat latkes or potato pancakes and sufganiyot or dough- nuts. Made with oil, they serve to remind Jews of the small jar of oil that burned non-stop for eight days. In India, Jews light oil lamps instead of candles. Chanukah is basically a festival which revolves around the family because it is the family which teaches us about dedication, devotion, self-abnegation and sacrifice. It was because of the bravery of the five brothers who fought together that the Jews were saved from extinction. All five of the Maccabee brothers died violent deaths. They gave all for the Jews. It is important to realise that it is the family, which causes us to be strong. When the father and mother work hard and tend to the needs of the family as devoted parents, the chil- dren, too, imbibe values of dedication, devotion and love. These are qualities that are replicated more by example rather than mere teaching. These are qualities vital to the well being of family and society, that strengthen rela- tionships through sharing It is only these qualities which have allowed Judaism to survive. They are also the only qualities which will allow us to fully achieve happiness in life. During the course of the Chanukah festival, that portion of the Torah related to Joseph is read on the fifth day, a Saturday. It tells us about Joseph and how Joseph was very good at understanding hidden things. He took the outward dreams of the Pharaoh and showed what they really meant. It is the hidden things, the things you can ot really see in life, that are the most important, and Joseph would expertly discern them. The Jews realised that the strength of Juda- ism has always been the family, and that we must do everything possible to strengthen the family, so we can all appre- ciate the subtle and often unseen things, which really bring happiness in life. During Chanukah, the Jewish home is a centre for tzedakah or charity and good deeds. The food parcels and clothing are collected and distributed to the needy families. The Jews believe that charity has the power to save. Triumph of truth over evil, this is the spirit of Chanukah- it is the inspi- ring story of self-sacrifice that lies at the basis of every great humanitarian achievement. Let us hope and pray that we will all realise that it s the family that is the strength of the people. May we by working within the family gain lasting values so that we too can perform miracles of faith and renewal. Let the Chanukah lights illuminate and lead us with peace and wisdom.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the Article above are Shtlamitn.E Molkay kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it.
Courtesy: Shtlamitn.E Molkay Speaking Tree , Times of India
Chanukah Festival Unites Families
Chanukah, of lights, the Jewish festi vel of light is celebrated in synagogues and homes round the world every year for eight days, this time from December 7 to 14. It commemorates the triumph of the Jews, under the Maccabees, over the Greek rulers - both in spiritual and physical terms. Its sanctity derives from this victory and a miracle when a portion of sacramental olive oil meant to keep the temple candelabrum lit for one day lasted eight days, the time it took for the temple to be rededicated. Candles are lit each evening- one on the first night, two on the second, and so on -in commemoration of the miracle at the temple. The Chanukah message focuses strongly on aspects of restored sovereignty. Customs widely practised in the diaspora are gift-giving andthe dreidel or four-sided spin- ning top whose sides are marked with Hebrew initials representing the message, "A great miracle occurred here". The lights also symbolise the lightof theTorah During Chanukah Jews eat latkes or potato pancakes and sufganiyot or dough- nuts. Made with oil, they serve to remind Jews of the small jar of oil that burned non-stop for eight days. In India, Jews light oil lamps instead of candles. Chanukah is basically a festival which revolves around the family because it is the family which teaches us about dedication, devotion, self-abnegation and sacrifice. It was because of the bravery of the five brothers who fought together that the Jews were saved from extinction. All five of the Maccabee brothers died violent deaths. They gave all for the Jews. It is important to realise that it is the family, which causes us to be strong. When the father and mother work hard and tend to the needs of the family as devoted parents, the chil- dren, too, imbibe values of dedication, devotion and love. These are qualities that are replicated more by example rather than mere teaching. These are qualities vital to the well being of family and society, that strengthen rela- tionships through sharing It is only these qualities which have allowed Judaism to survive. They are also the only qualities which will allow us to fully achieve happiness in life. During the course of the Chanukah festival, that portion of the Torah related to Joseph is read on the fifth day, a Saturday. It tells us about Joseph and how Joseph was very good at understanding hidden things. He took the outward dreams of the Pharaoh and showed what they really meant. It is the hidden things, the things you can ot really see in life, that are the most important, and Joseph would expertly discern them. The Jews realised that the strength of Juda- ism has always been the family, and that we must do everything possible to strengthen the family, so we can all appre- ciate the subtle and often unseen things, which really bring happiness in life. During Chanukah, the Jewish home is a centre for tzedakah or charity and good deeds. The food parcels and clothing are collected and distributed to the needy families. The Jews believe that charity has the power to save. Triumph of truth over evil, this is the spirit of Chanukah- it is the inspi- ring story of self-sacrifice that lies at the basis of every great humanitarian achievement. Let us hope and pray that we will all realise that it s the family that is the strength of the people. May we by working within the family gain lasting values so that we too can perform miracles of faith and renewal. Let the Chanukah lights illuminate and lead us with peace and wisdom.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the Article above are Shtlamitn.E Molkay kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it.
Courtesy: Shtlamitn.E Molkay Speaking Tree , Times of India