As we reach the mid-point of the holiday, we reacall that Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the newly liberated Temple, as the word’s literal translation suggests. It also celebrates the spiritual renewal of the community which gathers around that institution and all those who follow in their path.
Having experienced victory, hard-fought and/or miraculously delivered, the people celebrate joyously. They re-enact the sukkot festival which they missed because of the ongoing war. Apparently, they felt so renewed and empowered that they take upon themselves the right to mirror the biblical model of allowing those who missed the first Passover, to celebrate a second one, thirty days after the “right” date. This suggests a kind of spiritual renewal that must have been, for them, as powerful as the Exodus was for the generation that left Egypt.
In fact, they go beyond the re-enactment of the Sukkot festival to placing a brand new holiday on the Jewish calendar – Hanukkah. They appreciate that a new event deserves a new celebration.
Where have you experienced a moment of spiritual renewal this past year? How did you celebrate it? How would you like to, if you have not already done so?
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
posted December 24, 2008 at 8:00 pm
A couple of years ago I had what might be considered a breakdown. It led to a break-through. I had never completely lost my faith, but was unfulfilled. For whatever reason I was drawn to books on Judaism. I am not Jewish by birth or by conversion but I must tell you it saved me. So I guess the public library was the place of my spiritual renewal. I celebrate each day this discovery. I so appreciate your window and doors. I have learned a great deal. Thank you.
posted December 27, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Thanks to Bnet who finally put the letters in the box below! Had tried posting before but todays events that were reported actually are more important.
Today Israel went to war and here we go again. I just wish that it was not during Channukah but guess they thought Hamas would think they would not do anything then if they knew I. was retaliating for the past few weeks attacks on Israel.
Hugs
Laura