The little known Chanukah story of how the Hasmonean revolt started, was actually because of a very brave woman! Sometimes it takes 'the shock factor' to do what 'rationalization' smothers.
The background of the Chanukah story recalls the struggle for
religious freedom from the Hellenistic Syrian-Greeks in the year, 165
B.C.E. Antiochus, who was the occupying King at those times, sought to
crush our Jewish identity and passed decrees against the practice of
Judaism. We were forbidden from studying the Torah, we were forbidden
to keep the Shabbat (Sabbath) and we were forbidden from making a brit
milah (circumcision). To do so meant the death penalty.
"Hellenistic rituals and sacrifices were instituted in the Bet HaMikdash (the holy Temple in Jerusalem), thus desecrating the sacred center of Jewish ritual life. Many Jews were impressed by the culture and power of their Greek conquerors and adopted their customs and practices. These Jews came to be known as "Hellenists". – Sound familiar to our situation today?
Undressing Evil - Read More
"Hellenistic rituals and sacrifices were instituted in the Bet HaMikdash (the holy Temple in Jerusalem), thus desecrating the sacred center of Jewish ritual life. Many Jews were impressed by the culture and power of their Greek conquerors and adopted their customs and practices. These Jews came to be known as "Hellenists". – Sound familiar to our situation today?
Undressing Evil - Read More
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