Hi,
Hope you’re having a great day.
It’s almost Chanukah!
And there’s still time to make your most meaningful one.
… We’ve all heard the story.
The Greeks tried to destroy Judaism. And impose Greek culture on the Jews.
Torah scrolls were burned. And Torah study became a capital offense.
Observance of Shabbat and Kosher were outlawed. And so was circumcision.
Finally the Jews rebelled. They took on the mighty Greek army. And won.
Judaism was saved!
Right?
Wrong!
It is not true that the Jews revolted!
Do you know what really happened on Chanukah?
Some of the Jews revolted!
But many did not!
Many Jews didn’t think the decrees were all that bad.
They were called Hellenists.
They felt that exchanging Judaism for Greek culture was a good deal!
And they saw acceptance into Greek society as the Jewish future.
After all,Greecewas the center of civilization at the time.
The Hellenists were usually the “more sophisticated” Jews.
And they looked down at the “old fashioned” Jews who wouldn’t give up their Judaism.
“Get a life. Get with the program. This is the second century B.C.E.”!
… It’s something to think about as we get ready for Chanukah.
We all have something in common. And so does every person who identifies as a Jew.
No matter what they call themselves. And no matter what kind of Synagogue they go to.
(Or don’t go to!)
When it came to Chanukah?
Our grandparents were the ones who fought. Who wouldn’t give up their Judaism.
How do I know?
Because the Hellenists didn’t survive. Their descendants were lost as Jews.
So we owe it to our grandparents to make Chanukah meaningful.
We owe it to our children and grandchildren.
And we owe to ourselves!
… I am really into Chanukah!
That’s why I’m giving you two chances to hear my favorite Chanukah workshop.
“What if the Greeks Would Have One?”
Tomorrow, Tuesday evening, 7:00 P.M. at theCTNCenter, 2832West Touhy.
And Wednesday, 11:30 A.M. at theNorthbrookJCC,300 Revere Drive.
You will appreciate Chanukah more than ever.
And you will come out a much prouder Jew!
Hope to see you!
All the best,
Rabbi Moshe Katz
Director
ChicagoTorah Network
2832W. Touhy Avenue
Chicago,IL60645
P 773. 761. 0400 ext. 201
F 773. 761. 9262