Alternative version of Chanukah story (would love your thoughts on it if not too controversial):
During the rebellion, without access to a consecrated temple, the 8-day holiday of Succot was missed. So, after the war was won and the temple reconsecrated, the 8-day holiday was finally able to be celebrated. This was the reason for the 8-day celebration of the Jewish victory. The original Maccabean texts make no mention of the oil lamp miracle. But generations after these events, the Rabbis were embarrassed by the post rebellion behavior of the Maccabean's - corruption, murder, and even Hellenization (ironic, given the original reason for the war being Anti-Hellenization). So, they sought to diminish the military aspect of the holiday and came up with the story of the oil-related miracle which, as you mentioned, is hidden away in Masechet Shabbat almost as an after-thought.
I'm just listening to it now. Perfect timing, I know. But the minute I heard "rescued from an island, I KNEW what joke that was." Apparently, I'm a 70 year old Jewish man.
Way to go Chabbad for getting us large, public menorahs!!!!! Great episode!
Alternative version of Chanukah story (would love your thoughts on it if not too controversial):
During the rebellion, without access to a consecrated temple, the 8-day holiday of Succot was missed. So, after the war was won and the temple reconsecrated, the 8-day holiday was finally able to be celebrated. This was the reason for the 8-day celebration of the Jewish victory. The original Maccabean texts make no mention of the oil lamp miracle. But generations after these events, the Rabbis were embarrassed by the post rebellion behavior of the Maccabean's - corruption, murder, and even Hellenization (ironic, given the original reason for the war being Anti-Hellenization). So, they sought to diminish the military aspect of the holiday and came up with the story of the oil-related miracle which, as you mentioned, is hidden away in Masechet Shabbat almost as an after-thought.
Good question. I will ask the Rabbi about this
I'm just listening to it now. Perfect timing, I know. But the minute I heard "rescued from an island, I KNEW what joke that was." Apparently, I'm a 70 year old Jewish man.