The original Chanukah heroes fought Jewish assimilationists. Imagine, today, if the original Chanukah scene were transposed to modern day America. There would be Greek body worship — OK. Jewish G-d-worship — OK. Embrace of circumcision, Sabbath and Rosh Chodesh — OK. Rejection of circumcision, Sabbath and Rosh Chodesh — OK. Consumption of pork — OK. Abstinence from pork — OK. Belief in one G-d — OK. Belief in witches, many gods, you name it — OK.
The Chanukah scene of today is in need of clarification. Chanukah is a holiday in which the utterance of Chanukah and Santa Claus in the same breath is a contradiction in terms. “Vegans for Veal” is nomenclature that makes as much sense as “Chrismukah.” Under the monotheism of Chanukah, not every theological heritage or religious preference is embraced.
The essence of Chanukah is the extirpation of the tendency to ape the Other. The essence of Chanukah is reflected in its emphasis on gratitude to and praise of G-d — because it was the Jewish soul, the commitment to G-d and the Torah, that the assimilationists wished to uproot. On Purim, our enemy wished to destroy our bodies — to commit genocide — so we celebrate our victory with drink and merriment — the functions of the body. On Chanukah, we celebrate our victory with the recitation of the Hallel (“Praise”) — the function of the soul.
We have an odd imbalance: Religious minorities in this country are either scorned or smothered with love. Not that we wish to be scorned! But we light the eight lights to remind us that it is not only the sword that can destroy us. It is also the friend, even if well meaning.
Chanukah rejects religious relativism. It is not reflected in glittering multicultural displays that equate paganism, monotheism and all religions in between.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
