In my last post I talked about Christmas, so today I want to delve into Hanukkah. So many people believe Hanukkah is a holiday that came about some time after Jesus left the earth. Some even think it’s the Jewish counter to Christmas. What many don’t know is that it started in 165 BCE. And what is even more amazing is that Jesus celebrated it!
In John 10 we read, “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.” This Feast of Dedication is Hanukkah.
Now I once heard a pastor teach that when it came to the Old Testament, if Jesus did it, we should do it. So I’m wondering why don’t we celebrate Hanukkah? Could it be that because it occurred during the intertestamental times, it doesn’t count?
Rabbi Matthew Salathe did an excellent job of teaching on the subject. 165 BCE is not the first time this festival appears.
Click here and be sure to view ‘Chanukah: Our Second Chance’ dated 12.20.14
Even if Chanukah wasn’t “Biblical” it is certainly historical. Tisha B’Av isn’t Biblical but it commemorates the terrible tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, principally the destruction of both Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples. I see no probably observing such holidays since they have great significance to the Jewish people. That said, as you pointed out, Chanukah has a long history among the Jewish people, pre-dating Talmudic times by quite a bit, and our Master observed this celebration, so it must be “kosher”.
I agree James. If you have the opportunity, take a look at Rabbi Matthew’s teaching. He ties it in to Sukkot, much like Pesach Sheni.