In the last 3 blogs (starting with part 1 https://whatishebrewing.com/2022/12/19/hanukkah-is-our-culture/), we went over what The Festival of Hanukkah is, what hanukkah/dedication was for our ancestors, and what it means for us as Israelites today to live out all of our days in hanukkah to YAH. For some of you, this may be your first year celebrating Hanukkah, while others may be planning to join in for the first time next year. And for those who have been observing Hanukkah for years, this may be an opportunity to reflect on your practices and ensure they align with Scripture. Or perhaps your situation is entirely different. Regardless, let’s examine a few so-called Hanukkah traditions and practices that are considered biblically righteous, particularly by certain groups who claim Israelite heritage but really aren’t.
Here’s a song I wrote, that you can play in the background while you read:
For many people, the Festival of Hanukkah is synonymous with “The Festival of Lights.” However, as we explored in the preceding blogs in this series, the Hebrew word “Hanukkah” actually means “Dedication,” not “lights.” To reiterate, our Festival of Hanukkah is, in essence, a Feast of ReDedication. This distinction is rooted in Scripture, rather than the commonly referenced “Festival of Lights.” For those who may be unfamiliar especially if you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, let me share a couple of relevant Bible passages:
There are in fact, multiple international & religious festivals of lights, but our Festival of Hanukkah/Dedication ain’t one of them family.
Here are a few examples of the festivals of lights:
Again, the true focus of the Festival of Hanukkah is our dedication and rededication to YAH and His Torah — not lights, as the misnomer “Festival of Lights” suggests. In Scripture, we find only a few references to the Temple’s light source — the Menorah, which is a large lampstand with seven lamps. Notably, there is no mention of one day’s worth of oil miraculously lasting eight days; this narrative is rooted in Talmudic fables rather than biblical facts. Additionally, the Scriptures describe all seven lamps of the Menorah being lit daily, not incrementally adding one additional lamp each day until all seven lamps are lit, as some myths claim and people practice. Let’s examine the Scriptures for ourselves:
Again, the anti-Biblical Talmud is the source of the myth about 1 day’s worth of oil, lasting for 8 days, not The Bible.
We can also observe other myths that have been associated with Hanukkah. What are some of these myths, you might ask? You can explore some of them by clicking the links below. Additionally, take note of how many lamps are often depicted on the Menorah, despite the Torah explicitly stating that the Menorah was crafted with seven lamps, not eight or nine.
Scripture (above)
vs.
Ashkenazim tradition (below)
The examples provided above demonstrate why we Israelites warn against following the teachings of the Talmud and Jewish rabbis — they disregard the Bible and the instructions of The Most High!
And let’s not overlook the mythical foolishness and commercial merchandising that often accompanies their celebration and mockery of Hanukkah.
Can someone tell me why our righteous and meaningful festivals would need those goofy mascots?😑🤦🏾♂️🤣😂… Pure ridiculousness. They created fake characters and omitted Judah/Yahudah and his brothers of valor and instead, they crafted “Hannah the Hanukkah Hero”😮💨😐😑
And to not be outdone by The Elf on The Shelf’s lies & profits (https://whatishebrewing.com/2022/12/16/elf-on-the-shelf-aint-watching-neither-is-santa-but-best-believe-we-are-all-being-watched-%f0%9f%91%80-judgment-is-coming/), the mench on the bench & his crew aren’t alone, unfortunately:
Indeed, there are more pressing issues to address than all of this, however, it’s still essential to correct falsehoods surrounding Hanukkah and uphold the truth of Scripture. After all, while we aren’t commanded to keep Hanukkah, there is value in commemorating it in a truthful and Biblically substantiated manner. Let’s recall a few passages that remind us to be people of truth, rather than fiction:
“In the sight of Elohim and the Master יהושע (Yahoshua) Messiah, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His reign, I earnestly charge you: Proclaim The Word! Be urgent in season, out of season. Convict, warn, appeal, with all patience and teaching. For there shall be a time when they shall not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they shall heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear, and they shall indeed turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths.”
Timotiyos Bĕt (2 Timothy) 4:1-4 TS2009
So family, let’s hold fast to Scripture and tear down the myths, fables, and traditions that other nations have told & sold to us. Refute & disregard the dreidels and Mitzvah Moose, throw out the Hanukkah elves and Hanukkah Trees, and let us know and teach the truth about the Festival of Hanukkah – with joy, thanksgiving, and dedication to the Most High YAH!
As we strive to live our lives in daily dedication to YAH, let’s do so in spirit and truth. I pray that as we conclude this Hanukkah series, that YAH is pleased with the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts. Again I say, may we all commit to living lives in hanukkah to Him, in spirit & truth.
Until next time, shalom ✌🏾
~Yahrahn
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