Happy Hanukkah- just a question:)

[Candescent]

Hannukah is a holiday for all Jews and not just an “American” Jewish holiday. Here in Israel, the kids are off from school and there are all sorts of Hannukah events (in that respect, the Israeli version probably is even more of a parallel to Christmas celebrations in the States).

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The Rabbi at the Reform Temple I was attending played Hanukkah way down, saying it was a ‘minor’ holiday, and that he did not approve of Jews trying to use it to distract their kids from Christmas. I would love to hear details of how it is celebrated in Israel!

 

[Metamorphoo]

Hi!

I haven’t posted in a while.

For about 2 to 3 years I secretly have celebrated Hanukkah (I live alone now, but lived with my parents). I am not ashamed of the festival of lights since it is in Maccabees; however it is not really a thing Catholics ‘do’. I don’t know if I really should be ashamed, but on this board you never know I love you all

Anyway, my question really is. Where does Judaism find Hanukkah since it is not in the Torah? If my memory serves me correctly Maccabees is not in the sacred Jewish writings

Hanukkah was not a God-mandated festival like Passover/Pentecost/Tabernacles/etc., but there’s nothing “wrong” with observing it, either. Although the books of the Maccabees are not considered inspired writings by Jews, they do regard the historical event which Hanukkah commemorates to be a miracle.

BTW, the New Testament does speak of Jesus observing Hanukkah … only it is usually translated as the Feast of Dedication. If Jesus observed a man-made holiday, I suppose it is okay for you to do so as well.