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Answer:It's assimilated only among the assimilated.
The importance of Hanukkah can be understood from its origin:
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah.
When they reached the Temple grounds and prepared to light the oil lamps of the Temple's menorah (Exodus ch.25), they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoJews are commanded to celebrate Hanukkah in the Talmud and Code of Jewish Law. See also:
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What object is important in Hanukkah?
The Hanukkah-menorah (candelabra).
How long does the feast today of Hanukkah last?
Hanukkah lasts 8 days
How are the principles of government still important today?
Their laws are still used today.
Why did Sundiatas memory still cherished today?
it is still cherished today because he was very important.
How was Hanukkah originally celebrated?
Pretty much the same as today: lighting the Hanukkah-menorah and saying the appropriate blessings and prayers.
How is dr kings work still important today?
his work is still important today because he ended segregation. he got blacks and whites together
Why do Jews respect Hanukkah so much?
Hanukkah is actually one of the least important of the Jewish holidays in the year. The thing is that Non-Jews tend to notice Hanukkah more than other holidays because of the importance of Christmas and their seeing that Jews do something else at that time of year. Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and numerous other holidays are much more important and respected.As for why Jews respect Hanukkah to the degree that they do, it is because it is a part of their identity and its spiritual and uplifting components.
Why is the radio's of the 1920 still important today?
The radio is important today because we still use it to contact people in the world other than cell phones.
Why is the word dedicate important to Hanukkah?
Because they rededicated the Temple to God. http://judaism.answers.com/jewish-holidays/hanukkah
Is Pompeii still important today?
because it is mate.
Which metal is still important today in Argentina?
Steel
What is most important part of Hanukkah?
lighting the menorah
