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Message from the Vicar
- October 2008
Rev.Shibi Abraham This year, October 28 is celebrated as Diwali , a major Indian festival. This festival is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights, ’ because of the large number of lights or lamps that are used. The lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being, and the uplifting of spiritual darkness. The Jewish people have their own ‘Festival of Lights,’ which is called Hanukkah. The story of Hanukkah begins in the reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander conquered most of the world including Syria, Egypt and Judea. He allowed the people under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of independence. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews adopted parts of the Greek culture, including the language, customs, dress, etc. More than a century later, a successor of Alexander, Antiochus IV was in control of the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Greek priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non- kosher animal) on the altar. Two groups opposed Antiochus: one lead by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and the other, a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim, the forerunners of the Pharisees. They joined forces in a revolt against the Greek government. Following their victory in 165 BC, the Jews entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem defiled by the Greek invaders, cleansed it and dedicated it anew to the service of God. Then, in memory of their victory, the Maccabees celebrated the first Hanukkah. (Hanukkah is the Hebrew term for dedication). According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Today this festiaval is celebrated for eight days, commencing on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (November/December). The most important observance associated with Hanukkah is the kindling of the Hanukkah lights on the Menorah or Hanukkiya, a seven- or nine-branch candelabrum. On each night one more light is kindled, beginning with one candle on the first night of Hanukkah and ending with eight on the final evening. The lighting is accompanied by the chanting of appropriate blessings and the singing of songs. The ninth branch is reserved for the shamash, the servant light, which is lit first and used to kindle the other lights of the Menorah. The Hanukkah light symbolizes the light of religious, national and cultural freedom won by the Maccabees for their people. It gave new life to the faith that had suffered under the influence of the Greek culture. It was a struggle by the Jewish people for their spiritual life. Their religion and culture, the very essence of Jewish existence, was threatened by a dominating civilization. They resisted both personal and spiritual annihilation and were able to continue in the faith of their parents. Throughout the Bible, we find stores of God’s people suffering under the rule of some foreign power. But it the faith and dedication of the people and the Grace of God that enables them to go forward in their faith and prosper despite the odds. They realize the importance of their culture and their family as well as their responsibility to the community around them. In the month of October, the Mar Thoma Church will celebrate many events: October 5th is Voluntary Evangelist Day October 12th is when we as a church remember our solidarity with the physically and mentally differently abled October 19th is Youth Sunday October 26th is Christian Family Sunday
As we enter the month of October let us reflect on the fact that like the most of Jewish people, we are in a foreign land. But like most of the Jewish people who maintain their faith and customs, we too should maintain our faith and customs. It is difficult and many times very challenging, especially for the younger members of our community. But with God’s Grace, and our own efforts we can dedicate ourselves to be true Christians and maintain our faith despite the influences of the community around us. Further, we can be the lights that shows others the importance of family, of worship, and of God. For we are “Lighted To Lighten.”
Rev. Shibi Abraham Click here to download the full message
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