https://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=316173931739830The origins of the popularly accepted sudo-holiday (Holy Day) called Channukah starts in the year 3595. It all begins with the Selelucid Greek empire hellenization of the Holy Land. Antiochus IV had established a set of decrees to destroy Torah and integrate the Jews into his empire and the larger world. The laws mandated every household to set up a Sun shrine at the entrance of each home. In all the towns there was an epicenter of spiritual sedition established throw pagan alters on top of all the high hills. Right up to the Beit HaMikdash being desecrated with swine blood in tribute to false gods. Some of Israel forsook the G-d of Abraham in replace for integrating within the state. Though most preferred martyrdom over consuming the pig sacrifices. Now there was in the hills of Samaria a place called Modi'in, here lived a man named Matityahu the Hasmoneans. As the whole town was gathered in the city square for idol worship Matthias and his sons ascended the podium and turned on the Seleucid authorities, slaughtering them in front of all the village. They quickly became outlaws and was forced to flee to the mountains. Many joined in rake to resist against the persecutions. The first book of Maccabees describes these evil rulings.
"(44) And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, (45) to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane Sabbaths and feasts, (46) to defile the sanctuary and the priests, (47) to build altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals, (48) and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, (49) so that they should forget the law and change all the ordinances. (50) And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die." (1 Maccabees 1:44-50)
after a bloody three year revolution war the armies of Matthias and his son Y'hudhah HaMakabi came to Jerusalem and found the Temple in ruins. The story goes that on entering they found the Menorah and a single vial of oil that remained sealed. This oil container allegedly lasted for eight days. The Rabbis elaborate that the 8-branched Channukah candelabrum represents the eight days of light. Yet interesting to note the authentic Menorah in the Holy Temple consist of only 6 branches as described in Shemot - 25:37.
To commemorating the mystical oil, the Rabbis decreed a blessing while lighting the candles, "Blessed art thou Lord, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to light Channukah candles". This addition to the mitzvah's is in direct violation of the Torah which demands of us, "You shall not add to the law which I command you, not shall you diminish from it" (Davarim - 4:2). Similarly, we read "All that I command you, you shall diligently do; you shall not add to it nor diminish from it" (Davarim - 13:1). again "Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar". (Mishlei - 30:6) By creating decrees and proclaiming them to be the inherent word of G-d these Rabbis effectively made themselves false-prophets. Also altering the Holy Menorah from its divine image is a blatant corruption. In fact the original freedom fighters of Zion 2200 years ago had nothing to do with these perverse acts, all being they where not innocent themselves, As we will see.
Let consider this story of the one oil vile lasting eight day. Is there any historical evidence to collaborate the authenticity of this narrative? Our main sources are the 1-2 Maccabees witch are actually parallel accounts by two different authors. Here are the verses depicting the arrival of the Hasmoneans on Mount Moriah.
"(36)When the Maccabees first liberated Mt. Zion, they were horrified to find it desecrated: "(37) ...all the army assembled and they went up to Mount Zion. (38) And they saw the sanctuary desolate, the altar profaned, and the gates burned. In the courts they saw bushes sprung up as in a thicket, or as on one of the mountains. They saw also the chambers of the priests in ruins. (39) Then they rent their clothes, and mourned with great lamentation, and sprinkled themselves with ashes." (1 Maccabees 4:36-39)
"(48) They also rebuilt the sanctuary and the interior of the temple, and consecrated the courts. (49) They made new holy vessels, and brought the lamp stand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. (50) Then they burned incense on the altar and lighted the lamps on the lamp stand, and these gave light in the temple. (51) They placed the bread on the table and hung up the curtains. Thus they finished all the work they had undertaken." (1 Maccabees 4:48-51)
"(52) Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month of Chislev, in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, (53) they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering which they had built. (56) So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness; they offered a sacrifice of deliverance and praise (59)" (1 Maccabees 4:52-59)
After reviewing both historical chronologies depicting the rebellion we make an astonishing discovery. Not once was any oil miracle mentioned in the text. What does that mean? The silence speaks measures more then any excuse. Moreover we find in these records the authentic origins to this widespread day. Upon the 25th of Kislev in the third anniversary of the Greeks violating the Beit Hamikdash, the Jews re-dedicated the alter. Thus the name Channukah, or chanukat ha-mizbeach חֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ meaning "dedication of the altar"!
"(58) There was very great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was removed. (59) Then Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of dedication of the altar should be observed with gladness and joy for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev." (1 Maccabees 4:58-59)
"(5) It happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Kislev. (6) And they celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the feast of booths, remembering how not long before, during the feast of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. (7) Therefore bearing ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. (8 ) They decreed by public ordinance and vote that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year." (2 Maccabees 10:5-8)
Reviewing these text we find a lack of references to miracle oil yet, in the contrary the consideration is to the dedication of the altar. Imagine how Y'hudhah HaMakabi attributed this day. From the verses above we are enlightened that he and his military brigade began by gathering beautiful palms and branches with bands of ivy, all in the manner of the Feast of Booths. What was occurring in those distressed days was none other then a combination of the dedication of the alter a second Sukkot celebration. Thus it was so much identified as such that we read "the feast of booths in the month of Chislev"!2 (Maccabees 1:9) Along with the quote we must rely upon our second testimony, "Since on the twenty-fifth day of Chislev we shall celebrate the purification of the temple, we thought it necessary to notify you, in order that you also may celebrate the feast of booths". (2 Maccabees 1:18) Channukah was essentially a Sukkot sheni, deriving from ideal of a missed Pesach in the Torah.
What gave the Hasmonean dynasty and the Israeli people the right to establish a second Sukkot? As priory noted in 2 Maccabees 10:8 the consecration was ordained by democracy. Yet the Word of Hashem never proclaimed these decrees to anoint another Holy Day. Even if the Lord allowed practicing the Feast of Tabernacles late, the Maccabees were forty days delayed from the fifteenth of the eighth month! Considering that the celebration would only occur once instead of annually. However Jeroboam once tried this move exactly a month after Sukkot, "(32) And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month." (1Kings 12:32-33). This act was one of his high sins, "(30) for the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and wherewith he made Israel to sin; because of his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD, the G-d of Israel." (1Kings 15:30; also 1Kings 16:31).
So why does the celebration consist of eight days? Well let us hear from their own mouths "(6) And they celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the feast of booths, remembering how not long before, during the feast of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals." (2 Maccabees 10:6) So Sukkot last for seven day yet, the day after is called "Eighth of Assembly" or Shemini Atseret שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת. Shown here, "(36) Seven days ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto Hashem; on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto Hashem; it is a day of solemn assembly; ye shall do no manner of servile work." (VaYikra 23:36 also in BaMidbar 29:35)
It is quite questionable that as all this was occurring the Greco-Roman World had an eight day tradition in the same season. It seems this Saturnalia was a heavy influence in connection to Channukah. The ideal behind the Winter Solstice ceremony to the surrounding nations went as such. As the days begin to become shortened the pagan worshipers would assume that the Sun was 'dying' an so to give energy up they would light lamps and, candles. After the Solstice the days would gradually lengthen in time thus confirming to your ancient heathen that his tidings where accepted. Now concern yourself to this thought, both remembrances where eight days long and both trademarks were to light candles. Is this all coincidental? Never. Moreover, these facts add to the understanding of why Y'hudhah HaMakabi chose to fabricate an anniversary. In alternative of any other missed Holy Day during the three year revolution why was Sukkot given special consideration? Well the Feast of Booths was an eight day celebration that had a relative relation date wise to Saturnalia.
Thought it may be difficult imagining any Hellenization of the Hasmonean's there must be evidence to ponder. In the Talmud is a brayta from around the year of 3800 it reads- "When Adam saw the day getting gradually shorter, he said, ‘Woe is me, perhaps because I have sinned, the world around me is being darkened and returning to its state of chaos and confusion; this then is the kind of death to which I have been sentenced from Heaven!’ So he began keeping an eight days’ fast. But as he observed the Winter Solstice and noted the day getting increasingly longer, he said, ‘This is the world's course’, and he set forth to keep an eight days’ festivity" (avodah zarah 8a) i.e. Saturnalia along with Kalenda. Was the verse above another attempt to justify assimilation? Yes, presented is a devised tail to vindication some rabbi nearly 4000 years after the pretend incident. In the same rite, by comparison all the Mishnah ties to Channukah are void and invalid.
Is it possible Israel could have adopted elements of Sun worship by influence of the nations? Its more then possible, its reality. Just as in the days of old when our people lusted after false gods made of wood and stone. In these times of past the precious new born were consumed upon flames, men and women alike would sacrifice lives to lies! The Prophets spoke with fierce indignation against all these corruptions. "(3) The ox knoweth his owner, and the donkey his master's crib; but Israel doth not know (me), My people doth not consider." (Yisheyah - 1:3) Yet the seductions of the goyim's acceptance prevailed in the will of Israel. Even today during this Winter season most family's have adopted a custom of gift giving. The jealously of our children pressured their parents into adapting to the current culture and Christmas. This act was never heard of one hundred and fifty years ago! But who care right? Well, Your grandparents would be bathing in their own tears. In ancient Rome during the Winter Solstice the ruling class forced their Jewish citizen to run naked throw the cities while being pelted with stones and rotten fruit. Thousands of Jews throwout the centuries where rapped, beaten and, murdered. On top of all this the 'crown' forced the Jewish community to give gifts to the state on the pain of death. This behavior evolved into gift giving generally, then in time became linked to Santa Clause.
Israel must make teshuvah and return to Jehovah. The mighty G-d who saved us from Mitzrime's slavery and, fought for us in the days of redeeming Zion with Yehoshua, the one and only who strengthened Y'hudhah HaMakabi and his poorly equipped band of 3000 to overcome Antiochus IV with 60,000 infantrymen and 5000 cavalry. The Almighty G-d who brought the Sons of Jacob back from an eighteen hundred and seventy seven year galut. "(14) Oh that My people would hearken unto Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! (15) I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries.(16) The haters of Hashem should dwindle away before Him; and their punishment should endure for ever." (Tehilim 81:14-16) This is the time for redemption, may you be amongst the triumphant.
