Hanukkah’s Spiritual Message
Today Hanukkah is far more popular than it once was. It’s proximity to Christmas most likely led to this popularization. The holiday allows us to say, “We have lights and presents too.”
The ancient rabbis sought to minimize our attachment to the holiday. The rabbis’ first major work, the Mishnah, compiled in the second century CE, does not even dedicate a section to Hanukkah like it does the other major holidays. When the holiday is mentioned the Mishnah deals with it in a cursory way. It never addresses Hanukkah’s import or its meaning.
Some scholars suggest this is because people were familiar with the holiday’s story and so they did not need rabbinic reminders. The rabbis instead discuss matters such as Hanukkah’s Torah readings and the prohibition against mourning on its days. I believe the reason is far more fundamental. The rabbis were uncomfortable with the holiday’s original message.
The Maccabees achieved victory through military means. Their rebellion was ruthless, targeting not only the Syrian Greeks but fellow Jews who were not sufficiently zealous. In addition, the Hasmonean dynasty that followed the Maccabean revolt quickly became corrupt and oppressed the early rabbis. No wonder the books they authored sought to minimize the Maccabees’ success and downplay their military might.
Furthermore, living in the shadow of Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem, the rabbis were understandably weary of armed rebellion. By the time we arrive at their second major work, the Talmud, compiled in the fifth century CE, we are confronted with a curious question coming from our learned rabbis. They ask, “Mai Hanukkah—what is Hanukkah?” In their answer to this question, we discover the first written mention of the miracle of oil. The Talmud continues,
When the Greeks entered the Temple, they polluted all the oils in the Temple, and when the Hasmonean dynasty overcame and defeated them, they checked and they found but one cruse of oil with the seal of the High Priest, but there was only enough to light a single day. A miracle was done with it, and they lit from it for eight days. The following year the Sages fix those days, making them holidays for praise and thanksgiving. (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21b)
This miracle is not mentioned in any of the early rabbinic works. It is not even mentioned in the Books of Maccabees, written soon after the events. Did the rabbis invent the miracle of oil? Perhaps. Did they wish to discourage armed rebellion? Absolutely. Were they skeptical that military means can guarantee earthly victories? Yes.
The ancient rabbis believed in spiritual victories. They made this abundantly clear with the Haftarah they selected for the Shabbat of Hanukkah. The prophet Zechariah declares, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit alone—says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4)
As we light the candles, beginning this Sunday evening, we relish the gathering of our families around the Hanukkah menorah. Our children’s excitement brings us joy. The flickering candles give us hope during December’s dark nights.
Let us also call to mind the rabbis’ story and their everlasting message. No matter how mighty our army, our greatest source of strength remains our spirit.
Not by might! Not by power!