Identity/Crisis
Unpacking the Meaning of Hanukkah
Dec 12, 2023
Unpacking the meaning of Hanukkah by studying texts with Joshua Kulp, exploring interpretations of Hanukkah in relation to Israel and America, analyzing encoded references and the name 'Maccabee', discussing a Talmudic tale and dispelling misconceptions, diving into the significance of Hanukkah in rabbinic tradition, and exploring the tensions of deconstruction and finding truths.
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Quick takeaways
- Hanukkah gained prominence as a response to Christmas, becoming an important holiday for Jewish identity.
- The rabbis' views on the Hasmoneans and militarism are not well-documented, but some argue they focused on de-emphasizing their role in Jewish history.
Deep dives
The Origins and Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a holiday that has undergone changes over time. Originally, it was a modest holiday that only received more prominence comparitively due to the need to compete with Christmas. Early Zionists also sought to find role models in the ancient tradition, and Hanukkah fit the bill. The rabbis themselves did not view Hanukkah as a major holiday, and their discussions mostly revolved around the technicalities of lighting the Hanukkah candles.
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