Three controversial issues about Hanukkah
Hanukkah does not appear in the Torah
Hanukkah is not mentioned in the written Torah. Its origin can be found in historical texts later, mainly in the Books of the Maccabees and in the rabbinic tradition. This fact generated, since ancient times, discussions about their status in comparison with festivities bible as Passover or Sukkot.
The rebellion macabea was also a civil war jewish
The popular narrative presents Hanukkah as a struggle against the greeks, but in reality, the conflict was largely internal. Jews hellenized jews and traditionalists clashed for models of cultural and religious opposites. Many jews supported the Greek culture, and the desecration of the Temple had internal collaboration.
The miracle of the oil does not appear in the oldest sources
The famous miracle of the oil did not figure in the Books of the Maccabees. Its first mention appears centuries later, in the Talmud in Shabbat 21b. This has led to discussions of academic and rabbinical on if Hanukkah celebrated mainly a supernatural miracle or a military victory.
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Three curiosities of Hanukkah
A feast minor that became central
For centuries, Hanukkah was a holiday high school within the jewish calendar. Its high visibility current is due in good measure to modern contexts, especially in the diaspora, where it acquired cultural significance in the face of other winter celebrations are not jewish.
You do not have prohibition of work
Unlike other jewish holidays, during Hanukkah it can work normally. It is not a Yom Tov. The celebration is centered on the lights to be turned on and not in legal restrictions.
The shamash does not count as a light ritual
The janukiá have nine arms, but only eight correspond to the lights rituals. The shamash is a light auxiliary, used to light the others, and to avoid using the lights sacred for practical purposes.
Three little-known aspects or hidden Hanukkah
The dynasty asmonea ended up being corrupt
The Maccabees began as religious heroes, but their descendants have usurped the priesthood and adopted customs hellenistic. This contradicted the values for which they had fought and was severely criticized by the wise later.
A rededication failed of political power
Even though the Temple was purified, the government asmoneo resulted in tyranny and alliances with Rome. In this sense, Hanukkah commemorates a victory in spiritual rather than a political success durable.
A cultural struggle more than military
The deep core of Hanukkah is the resistance to assimilation ideological, not only to the oppression physics. The imposition of values hellenistic sought to redefine jewish identity from within.
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Conclusion
Hanukkah is not a party naïve and child. It is a celebration complex, marked by historical tensions, contradictions, and a profound message about identity, power, and faith. Precisely because of this complexity is still relevant.
