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Post by texaswoman on Dec 11, 2017 8:14:48 GMT -8
I know that Hanukkah is not one of the moedim and that the story of the oil lamps lasting for 8 days has been called a myth by some. What are your thoughts on it? Last year I went to a home with two other believers. We lit a 7 branch menorah and read Maccabees. Kind of a  experience. The story is pretty gory story and not really appropriate for young children. It seems like we walk a hard path. Christmas has so many attractions for children. What do Hebrew Roots/Messianic kids get? I guess I can understand why traditional Hebrews celebrate Hanukkah by 8 days of presents and parties.... |
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Post by Elizabeth on Dec 11, 2017 9:38:42 GMT -8
I am going to light eight candles and say the blessings that have been provided on this forum, read some Psalms and scriptures, and just try to learn the message behind it with my kids as Alon suggested. I will talk about the Maccabean war but not read the book with the kids, probably also reference the oil because generally it is considered part of Chanukah as far as I understand it.
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Post by garrett on Dec 12, 2017 4:13:09 GMT -8
I am going to light eight candles and say the blessings that have been provided on this forum, read some Psalms and scriptures, and just try to learn the message behind it with my kids as Alon suggested. I will talk about the Maccabean war but not read the book with the kids, probably also reference the oil because generally it is considered part of Chanukah as far as I understand it. Same here. My wife and I have a nice menorah. We'll say the blessing. I usually re-tell the story of what led up to Hanukkah from the top of my head. We keep the candles lit in the front window facing the street. The interesting thing to keep in mind is that Antiochus Epiphanes was such a monster. He tried to Hellenize the Jews of Israel. In addition he stopped Temple sacrifice and replaced the appropriate sacrifice of animals with that of swine. He also outlawed the Sabbath and made circumcision entirely illegal. Little boys that were found to be circumcised in private were killed, as were there mothers. This was another attempt by Hasatan to kill Jewish boys (just like the story of pharoah and what happened with Moses). So it's likely that this was the enemy's attempt to prevent the eventual birth of the Messiah. Antiochus also tried to burn all the biblical scrolls. Regardless, G-d would always have His way in the end. The Maccabean revolt in the story of Hanukkah was another victory against G-d's enemies, the primary enemy being the "adversary" himself. This story is also an echo of Esther helping to save the jews from Haman in the book of Esther, each story being consistent with the threat of wiping out the Jewish people. I hope this info adds a little more to the above questions...happy hanukkah! garrett |
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Post by alon on Dec 12, 2017 6:01:09 GMT -8
I'll make a Chanukkiah and light my candles in private. Since I live in a divided house I don't force my beliefs on my wife. We actually have some understanding right now; sort of a place where we are comfortable allowing each other their space to worship and celebrate as we wish. I prefer Chanukkah to Christmas, but I do miss celebrating with her.
Dan C
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Post by texaswoman on Dec 31, 2017 19:56:14 GMT -8
This Christmas was difficult ... even more so than last year. Even before I started walking in the Hebraic understanding of the Christian faith in late 2014, I had begun pulling away from Christmas. I stopped sending cards and gifts years ago. Basically all I had left was the Christmas tree, the lights on the house and sacred music. This is the second year I haven't had a tree in the house and I still miss it. I tried to focus more on Hanukkah but the story is so horrible it upsets me. I lit a 7 branch menorah and a friend sent me a few pictures of beautiful Hanukkah arrangements with lights and candles that can kind of make up for the Christmas tree. I will do that next year because the house just seems so dark and empty without some kind of holiday decorations. I still put up lights on the outside of the house because I want people to know that I do celebrate the birth of Christ, even though it wasn't in December. I always thought that dark houses at Christmas were so . But now those lights mean something different to me. The light of Hanukkah and the story of victory over evil. I can't do the blue and silver color scheme .. it just feels so cold and weird. Gold and white lights seem much more festive and warm to me. I do listen to sacred classical "Christmas" music because it is beautiful and can be listened to any time of the year. I have an awesome playlist that has been compiled over a few years. It's very peaceful and uplifting. It's hard being single with no children at this time of year. I hope next December goes better... Attachments:
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Post by alon on Dec 31, 2017 21:46:44 GMT -8
Those things do still have a pull on us. It's how we were raised, and we probably have fond memories as children about Christmas. So it's natural to be drawn back to these things. Add to that none of us here have anyone to share the feasts with and it can be kind of lonely.We just have to remember why we chose this path and the covenant that was made with HaShem when we decided to do things the way He said! Hang in there.
Dan C
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Post by texaswoman on Jan 1, 2018 21:04:52 GMT -8
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Dan. When I first started this walk in 2014, I was overwhelmed by what I learned about Christmas. I probably came across as harsh and condemning to those with whom I shared my new knowledge. These days I try to be more understanding and accepting while still holding to my beliefs. 1 Corinthians 13:2 keeps coming to mind ... "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (NKJV) I have to remember how Yeshua loved us with all our faults and failures. If He could love me, then I must at least try to see my fellow believers through His eyes .. even those with whom I disagree. You know how hard this walk can be. I cling to what I believe is true but if I become mean and harsh to others then I have lost my focus. Thank you, Father, for walking me through this difficult time... today was a bright sunny beautiful crisp cold day. The seasons will soon be changing and the dark days gone. Thank you for Yeshua, the light of this world ...  ... |
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Post by alon on Nov 13, 2018 19:45:30 GMT -8
Chanukkah is just around the corner. It's probably about time we got to planning and getting ready. The section on the Moedim has a lot of good resources for this feast. It's technically not one of the commanded moedim, however it is a great tradition with a lot of good teaching associated with it. It is also a very joyful occasion.
This year it starts on the evening of Sunday, Dec 2nd and ends the day of the 10th. I might invite some friends over to celebrate one night at least. What is everyone else here doing for Chanukkah?
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 15, 2018 8:28:51 GMT -8
My kids and I will light the candles, say the blessings, and read the story. I do have a menorah this year so that's kind of exciting.
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experience. The story is pretty gory story and not really appropriate for young children.
- there are 70 faces to 
