Political Crossfire Forums

[cap'n queasy]

I've read a little bit about it on various web sites, but was hoping to learn more.

When exactly is it celebrated? Is it celebrated at this time every year? What are some the ways this holiday is celebrated?

Thank you.

[cap'n queasy]

Do you think this is a credible website where I can learn a bit about Judaism?
http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/di.htm

[Duchifas]

cap'n queasy wrote: Do you think this is a credible website where I can learn a bit about Judaism?
http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/di.htm

Yes.

Here is more:

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default.asp

[Israel]

Duchifas wrote: cap'n queasy wrote: Do you think this is a credible website where I can learn a bit about Judaism?
http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/di.htm

Yes.

Here is more:

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default.asp

http://www.askmoses.com/qa_list.html?h=104

If you have questions, they have 24/6 live one-on-one chat with Rabbi's.

[cap'n queasy]

Thank you , Duchifas. :-D

[Mailech]

Those are two good places to start, if you have any specific questions, ask and we shall attempt to answer.

[cap'n queasy]

Thanks Mailech. I'm still reading about it. Seems like a very cool holiday.

[cap'n queasy]

Can Gentiles celebrate it as well?

[Mailech]

cap'n queasy wrote: Can Gentiles celebrate it as well?

I guess?

It is symbolic of the conquering of spirituality over materialism. (Judaism vs Helenism)
That seems like a good thing to celebrate.

But in terms of doing the ritual, which is lighting the Menorah, I don't know why you would.

[cap'n queasy]

Quote: It is symbolic of the conquering of spirituality over materialism. (Judaism vs Helenism)
That seems like a good thing to celebrate. :shock: Yes, even better than what I thought it was celebrating.

You see, I didn't realize that aspect. I thought it was a celebration of the re-dedication of the Temple after the Greeks were driven out.

But that makes perfect sense. Heavy stuff.



Quote: But in terms of doing the ritual, which is lighting the Menorah, I don't know why you would. I suppose you are right.

This is symbolic of the miracle of the holy oil? Something tells me it goes deeper than this?

[Mailech]

cap'n queasy wrote: Quote: It is symbolic of the conquering of spirituality over materialism. (Judaism vs Helenism)
That seems like a good thing to celebrate. :shock: Yes, even better than what I thought it was celebrating.

You see, I didn't realize that aspect. I thought it was a celebration of the re-dedication of the Temple after the Greeks were driven out.

But that makes perfect sense. Heavy stuff.
The rededication of the Temple is the and result and the historical commemoration, but the symbolics are much deeper.


Quote: Quote: But in terms of doing the ritual, which is lighting the Menorah, I don't know why you would. I suppose you are right.

This is symbolic of the miracle of the holy oil? Something tells me it goes deeper than this?

Yes, that is why we light the Minorah, to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Of course this has very deep ideas behind it as well. Pure vs Impure, G-d's control over nature etc.

[Mailech]

cap'n queasy wrote: But that makes perfect sense. Heavy stuff.

If you want other heavy stuff, take the holiday of Purim. A major theme of that holiday is G-d's providence controling history, even if it is not obvious, even if there are no overt miracles.

The book of Ester does not have G-d's name in it one time. But when you read it you cannot help but see how obvious it is that G-d is behind the scenes running the show, making the cure before He made the disease.

I guess a good summary of the holiday of Purim is Coincidence vs Providence. (Amalek vs Isreal)

[cap'n queasy]

Excellent! :-D