One in Messiah Congregation

קָּהָל אֶחָד בְּמָּשִׁיחַ

Shabbat Shalom

Dec. 16, 2006 - 9th month, 24th day

God's own calendar - 9th month called Khislev - כִסְלֵו

Zech.7 [ 1] And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu.

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Todays topic:

The " lie "

1John.1[ 6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie , and do not the truth:

1John.2[ 21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

1John.2[ 3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4 ] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Rev.21[ 8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars , shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie : but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Rev.22[ 15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Col.3[ 9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

John.8[ 44] Ye are of your father the devil , and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

1Tim.4[1 ] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Traditions, some good, some bad

Matt.15[ 3]Yeshua said:....... Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

[6] ... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Mark.7[ 13] Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

[9] And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Col.2[ 8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men , after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

1Pet.1[ 18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers ;[19 ] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
[20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Jews' religion , doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees

Matt.16 [ 6] Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

[12] Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees .

Luke.12[ 1] In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy .

Gal.1[ 13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion , how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [ 14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation , being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers[ 15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,[ 16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Phil.3[1 ] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.[ 2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.[3 ] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.[ 4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;[6 ] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung , that I may win Christ,[ 9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:[10 ] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;[ 11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.[12 ] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.[13 ] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,[14 ] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Good Traditions

2Thes.2[ 15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2Thes.3[ 6] Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

 

Made up: fabricated and invention of one's own mind - " a LIE "

Hanukkah / Christmas

The Encyclopaedia Britannica reports that "The traditional customs connected with Christmas have developed from several sources as a result of the coincidence of the celebration of the birth of Christ with the pagan agricultural and solar observations at midwinter.

In the Roman world the Saturnalia (December 17) was a time of merrymaking and exchange of gifts. December 25 was also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness."

Colliers Encyclopedia agrees. Quote: "After the triumph of Constantine, the church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern churches, where it was celebrated on January 6.

The choice of December 25 was influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god (natalis solis invicti), and that the Saturnalia also came at this time."

Both encyclopedias plainly reveal that the source of the celebration of December 25 is the birthday of Mithra, the pagan sun god.

Sun worshippers since the time of Babel recognized this time of year in honor of their gods.

1st century believers, taught personally by Christ, did not celebrate His birthday.

2nd century theologians condemned the thought.

Only after severe persecution, destruction and inaccessibility of biblical scripture and the blending of pagan doctrine with the worship of God was the Mithraic celebration of December 25th proclaimed to be "Christian" in nature.

These facts are well documented. They can be found in any encyclopedia. There is no way to "Christianize" the birthday of the sun god. Anyone with access to an encyclopedia or the internet can know better and those with theological degrees do!

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Hanukkah

The First Book of the Maccabees was written in Hebrew around the time of the events that it describes. The Second Book of the Maccabees was written about sixty years after the events that took place. The book was written in Greek for the Jews who lived in Alexandria and other parts of the Greek Empire. Both books discuss the same events, but from different perspectives. These books were not included in the Hebrew Bible, but they are part of the Apocrypha, a group of Jewish writing from this period that were preserved by the Christian Church. ( Catholic )

Pray for the dead? A Catholic belief.

2 Machabees 12 44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)

2 Machabees 12 46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead , that they may be loosed from sins.

2 Machabees 12 43 And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead , thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection, 44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,) 45 And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. 46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead , that they may be loosed from sins .

You think Yeshua or Daniel quoted from this book? Never !

Below in not Antiochus IV Epiphanes ( he is not at the end ) When Alexander the Great's empire broke up, it resolved into four major kingdoms. Seleucus was one of Alexander's generals, and came to control the Syrian portion of the empire. Syria was one of the two dominant divisions of the empire, and continued through twenty kings. Antiochus IV was the eighth of these twenty Seleucid kings. He ruled from 175 - 164 BC.

Approximately 200 years afte Antiochus IV Epiphanes Yeshua said pertaining to the time of the end by quoting Daniel which was approximately in 600 BC: ( ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire )

Yeshua said:

Matt.24[ 15] When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Mark.13[ 14] But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Dan.8 [1 ] In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.[2] And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.[3] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.[4 ] I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.[ 5] And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.[ 6] And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had there seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.[7] And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.[ 8] Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.[ 9] And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.[10] And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
[11] Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.[12] And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. [13] Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?[14] And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.[15] And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.[ 16] And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.[17] So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. [18] Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.[19 ] And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. [20] The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.[ 21] And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
[22] Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.[23] And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.[24] And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
[25] And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.[ 26] And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.[27 ] And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

 

Antiochus IV Epiphanes - 215-163 BC, he reigned 175-163 BC. He was not in the time of the end nor in the last end of the indignation or in the latter time.

 

The Feast of the Dedication mentioned below is not talking about the story in the book of Maccabees

Scripture says:

John.10 [22] And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter [23] And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

What is the Hebrew word for dedication?

What month was it in God's calendar not pope Greg's calendar?

Did Yeshua do a feast that is not scriptural as some do today? NO!!!

Chanukah is a Hebrew word meaning dedication.

In the scriptures above, pertaining to Chanukah or dedication , John was talking about Solomon's temple that Ezra help rebuild. (1 Kings 8:2; 2 Chr. 5:3) Also please read the scriptures below in Ezra, chapter 6.

Ezra.6:[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, the 12th month (our Feb. - cold - not December which is Chislev, the 9th month in the Hebrew Bible ), which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Esth.3 [7] In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. ( Feb. not Dec. )

Chanukah is a Hebrew word meaning dedication because this observance marks the rededication and building of the Temple after it had been desecrated.

Also remember: The first dedication was in the 7th month, Ethanim, 1Kings. 8:2 ( Sept. - Oct.) not December:

1Kgs.8:[2] And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

Also, this is not new years as some falsely report.

[63] And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel "dedicated" the house of the LORD.

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This is what you will hear from tradition, which is wrong.

Also please remember there is "NO" commandment from God to "light candles" on this made up feast or the Holy Shabbat. If you light candles on the Shabbat, it is fine as long as you DON'T say it is a commandment.

Scripture says:

Zech.7[1] And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu; ( December )

The other common name for this feast is Hag Haorim, which means 'the Feast of Lights' It is found in the writings of Josephus, who was a first Century Jewish historian. This second name, however, is based upon a tradition. Supposedly, when the Jews rededicated the Temple and wanted to rekindle the lampstand, they found only enough oil for one day. It would take 8 days to make a new supply they decided to kindle and burn the remaining oil, a miracle occurred as the oil that was enough for only one day lasted for eight days ... thus, the term representing, "the Feast of Lights . This is why the Chanukah menorah has eight candles, ( which is unscriptural ) instead of the seven the scripture menorah has.

They made 8 candles to commemorate this made up miracle.

The made of feast of today, Chanukah, in and of itself, is not found anywhere in the Scriptures , as it originated during the time of history after the Book of Malachi. There were no prophets for 397 years after the book of Malachi.

It should be remembered that none of the historical books mention this miracle, as it Originates with the "Talmud" and not with the books of the Holy Scriptures.

The historical books that speak of the Maccabean revolt as a real event are in the uninspired "Catholic" I and 2 Maccabees and they make no mention of any miracle of 8 days of oil at all.

As you can see, it is fact that this made-up feast is recorded in Rabbinic writings not found in the Holy Scriptures.

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Here is purported Tradition from off the web:

Around 200 BCE Jews lived as an autonomous people in the land of Israel, which at this time was controlled by the Seleucid King of Syria. The Jewish people paid taxes to Syria and accepted its legal authority, and by and large were free to follow their own faith, maintain their own jobs, and engage in trade.

By 180 BCE Antiochus IV Epiphanes ascended to the Seleucid throne. At first little changed, but under his reign Jews were gradually forced to violate the precepts of their faith. Jews rebelled at having to do this. Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the Temple in Jerusalem was looted, Jews were massacred, and Judaism was effectively outlawed.

In 167 BCE Antiochus ordered an altar to Zeus erected in the Temple. Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah led a rebellion against Antiochus. Judah became known as Judah Maccabe (Judah The Hammer). By 166 BCE Mattathias had died, and Judah took his place as leader. By 165 BCE the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful. The Temple was liberated and rededicated.

The festival of Chanukah was instituted by Judah Maccabee and his brothers to celebrate this event . (1 Macc. iv. 59). After having recovered Jerusalem and the Temple, Judah ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the polluted one, and new holy vessels to be made. When the fire had been kindled anew upon the altar and the lamps of the candlestick lit, the dedication of the altar was celebrated for eight days amid sacrifices and songs (1 Macc. iv. 36).

A number of historians believe that the reason for the eight day celebration was that the first Chanukah was in effect a belated celebration of the festival of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles (2 Macc. x. 6 and i. 9). During the war the Jews were not able to celebrate Sukkot properly. Sukkot also lasts for eight days, and was a holiday in which the lighting of lamps played a prominent part during the Second Temple period (Suk.v. 2-4). Lights were also kindled in the household, and the popular name of the festival was, therefore, according to Josephus ( Jewish Antiquities xii. 7, § 7) the "Festival of Lights."

The Rabbis, years later commemorated this miracle that occurred, then decided to make this holiday more special so they designed a special menorah in which eight candles plus the 9 the Shamash candle were represented instead of the usual 7 candle lamp stand in the temple. 'From that came the concept of the eight days of Chanukah, which in actuality is merely a copying of the Feast of Tabernacles which has 8 days. Also, they put this made-up feast at the same time the gentile children were getting presents, December 25, pagan Christmas. Now all the jewish children can get presents and not feel left out.

Now, let us look at the Talmud ( boring ) and the story the rabbis made up , read on... :-(

Talmud - Mas. Shabbath 21b ( They can't even agree on how to lite the made up candle story, )

It does not require attention, and one may make use of its light. R. Zera said in R. Mattenah's name — others state, R. Zera said in Rab's name — :Regarding the wicks and oils which the Sages said, One must not light therewith on the Sabbath, one may light therewith on Hanukkah, either on weekdays or on the Sabbath. Said R. Jeremiah, What is Rab's reason? He holds, If it goes out, it does not require attention, and one may not make use of its light.1 The Rabbis stated this before Abaye in R. Jeremiah's name, but he did not accept it. [But] when Rabin came,2 the Rabbis stated it before Abaye in R. Johanan's name, whereupon he accepted it.3 Had I, he observed, merited the great fortune,4 I would have learnt this dictum originally. But he learnt it [now]?-The difference is in respect of the studies of one's youth.5

Now, if it goes out, does it not require attention? But the following contradicts it: Its observance is from sunset until there is no wayfarer in6 the street. Does that not mean that if it goes out [within that period] it must be relit?-No: if one has not yet lit, he must light it;7 or, in respect of the statutory period.8

‘Until there is no wayfarer in the street.’ Until when [is that]? — Rabbah b. Bar Hanah said in R. Johanan's name: Until the Palmyreans have departed.9

Our Rabbis taught: The precept of Hanukkah [demands] one light for a man and his household;10 the zealous [kindle] a light for each member [of the household]; and the extremely zealous, —

Beth Shammai maintain: On the first day eight lights are lit and thereafter they are gradually reduced;11 ,

***but***

Beth Hillel say : On the first day one is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased. 12 ‘Ulla said: In the West [Palestine] two amoraim, 13 R. Jose b. Abin and R. Jose b. Zebida, differ therein: one maintains, The reason of Beth Shammai is that it shall correspond to the days still to come, 14 and that of Beth Hillel is that it shall correspond to the days that are gone; but another maintains: Beth Shammai's reason is that it shall correspond to the bullocks of the Festival; 15 whilst Beth Hillel's reason is that we promote in [matters of] sanctity but do not reduce.

Rabbah b. Bar Hana said: There were two old men 16 in Sidon: 17 one did as Beth Shammai and the other as Beth Hillel: the former gave the reason of his action that it should correspond to the bullocks of the Festival, while the latter stated his reason because we promote in [matters of] sanctity but do not reduce.

Our Rabbis taught : It is incumbent to place the Hanukkah lamp by the door of one's house on the outside; 18 if one dwells in an upper chamber, he places it at the window nearest the street. But in times of danger19 it is sufficient to place it on the table. Raba said: Another lamp is required for its light to be used;20 yet if there is a blazing fire it is unnecessary. But in the case of an important person,21 even if there is a blazing fire another lamp is required.

What is [the reason of] Hanukkah? For our Rabbis taught: On the twenty-fifth of Kislew 22 [commence] the days of Hanukkah, which are eight on which a lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. 23 For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein , and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they made search and found only one cruse of oil which lay with the seal of the High Priest, 24 but which contained sufficient for one day's lighting only; yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit [the lamp] therewith for eight days. The following year these [days] were appointed a Festival with [the recital of] Hallel 25 and thanksgiving. 26

We learnt elsewhere: If a spark which flies from the anvil goes forth and causes damage, he [the smith] is liable. If a camel laden with flax passes through a street, and the flax overflows into a shop, catches fire at the shopkeeper's lamp, and sets the building alight, the camel owner is liable; but if the shopkeeper placed the light outside, the shopkeeper is liable.27 R. Judah said: In the case of a Hanukkah lamp he is exempt.28 Rabina said in Rab's name: This proves that the Hanukkah lamp should [in the first instance] be placed within ten.29 For should you think, above ten, let him say to him, ‘You ought to have placed it higher than a camel and his rider.’ ‘Yet perhaps if he is put to too much trouble, he may refrain from the [observance of the] precept’.30

R. Kahana said, R. Nathan b. Minyomi expounded in R. Tanhum's name: ____________________

(1) To show that it was lit in celebration of Hanukkah, not merely for illumination.

(2) V. p. 12, n. 9.

(3) R. Johanan being a greater authority than R. Jeremiah.

(4) The verb denotes both to be fortunate and to merit.

(5) These are more abiding. Abaye felt that he would have had a surer hold upon it had he learned it earlier.

(6) Lit., ‘Until the foot ceases from’.

(7) Anytime within that period.

(8) I.e., the lamp must contain sufficient oil to burn for that period. Nevertheless, if it goes out sooner, it need not be rekindled.

(9) Lit., ‘until the feet of the Tarmodians have ceased’. Tarmod or Tadmor is Palmyra, an oasis of the Syrian desert. They sold lighting materials and went about in the streets later than the general populace as their wares might be needed.

(10) I.e., one light is lit every evening of the eight days (v.infra) for the entire household.

(11) One less each day.

(12) Up to eight.

(13) V. Glos.

(14) I.e., each evening one must kindle as many lights as the number of days of Hanukkah yet to come.

(15) ‘The Festival’, without a determinate, always refers to Tabernacles (Sukkoth). Thirteen bullocks were sacrificed on the first day, twelve on the second, and so on, one less each succeeding day; v, Num. XXIX, 12 seqq.

(16) The Heb. zaken, pl. zekenim, frequently means learned men, without particular reference to age (Kid. 32b), and may connote this here.

(17) On the coast of Phoenicia.

(18) To advertise the miracle. Their houses did not open directly on to the street but into a courtyard, and there the lamp was to be placed (Rashi); v., however, Tosaf, a.l.

(19) When there is religious persecution.

(20) Agreeing with the view supra that the light of the Hanukkah lamp may not be used.

(21) Who is not accustomed to work at the light of a blazing fire.

(22) The ninth month of the Jewish year, corresponding to about December.

(23) This is an extract of the Megillath Ta'anith, lit., ‘the scroll of fasting’.

(24) Hence untouched and undefiled.

(25) ‘Praise’, Ps. CXIII-CXVIII, recited on all Festivals; v. Weiss, Dor, I, p. 108, n. 1.

(26) This lighting took place in 165 B.C.E. Exactly three years before, on the same day, Antiochus Epiphanes had a pagan altar erected in the Temple, upon which sacrifices were offered (I Macc. I, 41-64). Apart from the Talmudic reason stated here, Judas Maccabeus chose 25th of Kislew as the anniversary of the Temple's defilement, and the dedication of the new altar was celebrated with lights for eight days, similarly to the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasted eight days and was celebrated by illuminations (I Macc. IV, 36;II Macc. X, 6; supra a, p. 90, n. 3). Actually the revolt was against the Syrians, of whom Antiochus Epiphanes was king, but the term ‘Greeks’ is used loosely, because the Seleucid Empire was part of the older Empire founded by Alexander the Great of Macedon, and because it was a reaction against the attempted Hellenization of Judea. The historic data are contained in the First Book of the Maccabees.

(27) For the loss of the flax.

(28) Because, as stated above, it should be placed outside; the onus then lies upon the camel driver.

(29) Handbreadths from the ground.

(30) Possibly the lamp may be placed at the outset higher, yet the Rabbis did not wish to make the precept too burdensome.

Dreidel - A German Gambling Game?

The modern dreidel, from the German dreihen - to spin, is a Judaicized version of a German gambling game. (Nineteenth century Englishmen revived the game as "teetotum," a similar wobbly game of chance.) Even the Hebrew is based on the German gambling instructions. Each of the four sides has a Hebrew letter. The "Nun" stands for "nisht," none. "Gimmel" stands for "ganz," all. "Hey" stands for "halb," half. "Shin" stands for "shtel - stay put."

The dreidel is associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. It has four sides:(Nun), (Gimel), (Hey), (Shin), and is usually played with coins, chips, or gelt (chocolate coins). These letters also stand for the words Nes Gadol Haya Sham meaning "a great miracle happened there".

Nes Gadol Chayah Sham - A great miracle happened there ( but there was NO miracle, No 8 days of oil )

Before beginning, each player starts with 10 or 15 coins, and then each player puts one in the pot. The dreidel stops and lands with one of the symbols facing up and the appropriate action is taken: Nun - nischt - "nothing" - the next player spins Gimel - gantz - "all" - the player takes the entire pot Hey - halb - "half" - the player takes half of the pot, rounding up if there is an odd number Shin - shtel - "put in" - the player puts one or two in the pot

The game may last until one person has won everything. In Israel the (Shin) is replaced with the (Pe). The phrase used in Israel means "A great miracle happened here." The meaning on the Dreidel is "Pay" - peh. This form is only used inside Israel.

Perinola - A Perinola is a 6-sided top, very similar to the dreidel, that is used for a similar game in most Latin American countries. Perinola is also the name of a stick and ball game.

Please do not follow any made up ( LIE ) traditions, feasts or events.

Shalom

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