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The story that most Jewish children learn about the holiday of Chanukah is that it commemorates the Jews’ victory over foreign invaders and their sullying cultural influences. Around 200 B.C.E., Judea was the rope in a tug of war between two stronger powers: the Ptolemic dynasty of Egypt and the Seleucid Empire of Syria. The Seleucids, led by the kings Antiochus III & IV, won when Antiochus invaded Judea in 175 B.C.E. But in 170 B.C.E. the Jews who favored Egypt took control from the camp that favored Syria. According to the Roman historian Flavius Josephus, Antiochus IV invaded Judea a second time, and not only slaughtered many Jews but also defiled the Temple in Jerusalem, offering swine as sacrifice to pagan gods on its altar.
Cue the heroes: the Maccabees (whose name means “Hammer”), the original Mattisyahu, and his seven sons, including Judah. Together they defeated the forces of King Antiochus and cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem of all of its Seleucid-introduced impurities. A small amount of oil that was enough to last for a single day lasted for eight instead, and with this somewhat pedestrian miracle the festival of Chanukah was born.
It was a miracle whose veracity has been questioned since the Middle Ages, and contemporary scholars have complicated the story quite a bit. The real struggle, they tell us, was not so much between Jews and foreign invaders, but a civil war between the Jews who followed Greek ways and those Maccabean Jews who opposed them.
In other words, the story of Chanukah at its heart is a story of a struggle of a small people torn between stronger nations with powerful cultures. We focus on the symbolic act of purification and cleansing, but we tend to obfuscate the larger cultural terrain. Ancient Jews were fighting not just against foreigners but amongst themselves over whose culture to adapt and to what degree. Cultural adaptations came from within, not just from without.
There may have been a military victory over Syria’s army and the Hellenizing Jews, but the Jews of ancient Palestine were already deeply and inextricably linked to the nations and the cultures of their region. That is, they were not just multicultural (of many discrete cultures) or transcultural (crossing cultural borders); they were polycultural. Their cultural diversity already was internalized and they patched their cultures together based on overlapping similarities, not just warring differences.
So too with today’s Black Israelites, people who believe that the ancient Israelites were Black and that contemporary Black people are their descendants. People of many different faiths have been Black Israelites. In the 1890s there was a wave of Black Israelite churches that came out of the Holiness movement. At the turn of the twentieth century, Anglo-Israelite beliefs helped inspire the Pentecostal movement, the most numerous new religious movement of the twentieth century. During the Harlem Renaissance, Black Israelite beliefs became popular among some who practiced forms of rabbinic Judaism, and the following decade the belief took root in Black Islam and in Jamaican Rastafarianism. During the organizing and militancy of the long 1960s the ideology found supporters among patriarchal and macho advocates of Hebrew Israelite faiths. A tiny fragment of the Hebrew Israelites will yell at passersby on New York street corners to this day, and yell at each other in attempts to purify their practice from any of the contamination of rabbinic Judaism.
But what goes unnoticed is that each of these religions continue to this day. Moreover, each of them change, just as the individuals within them change in their religious practice, growing more or less observant, or moving from one group to the other. It helps to think of these religious waves not as groups or sects but as movements — constantly in the process of becoming. Religious changes also happen inter-generationally, not just within the life of individuals. Many of the children of Black Jews have become more, not less religious. Gradually, over time, Black Jews have become more, not less halachic. The followers of the biggest portion of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, one of the original Holiness groups, now believe that their founding prophet only used the word “Christ” as a necessary expedient, and practice their own unique form of Judaism. Their music has been passed down “mouth to ear” for over a century, and is some of the most beautiful choral music not just among American Jews, but in American music, period.
Black Israelites teach us that cultures are really polycultural. They are formed not by heated battles between warring binaries, but by acts of collage that emphasize overlapping similarities between dozens of inputs, many of which are already internalized within. This is a more helpful view than picturing cultural formation as the resolution of antagonism between holistic and hostile camps coming from without.
Returning to the story of Chanukah, we can understand history better by focusing not on the moment of conquest and purification but on all the cultures that Jews of Josephus’ day shared with their neighbors, just as we can understand American culture today and in the past by understanding how continuous cultural flows have created polycultures and defied efforts to categorize, rank, or purify. I like it that way.
With all my traditional holiday touches, it seems I left an important feature unadorned. This beautiful statue of Buddha once sat in my zen garden in California. I don't dare place him outside here because a hard freeze could cause him to split, and I can't keep moving him because he weighs over 100 pounds. So here he has sat in a corner of my dining room for the past year.
He's a bit out of place, really. But I get to walk past him every day and when I pause to dust him off a feeling of gratitude always washes over me.
So today I gave him an offering. I was looking for a place to put my dollar store snowflakes and then said, "Aha! A perfect mandala!"
And as for gratitude, much of it stems from my blog relationships that have formed over the years. Some of you I have met in person where hugs sealed special bonds. Some of us have spoken on the phone, shared laughter and tears, exchanged gifts, and sent cards for no reason other than to let the other know they're loved and thought of.
I'm truly grateful for all of you, even occasional visitors and art critics.
May your Christmas, Kwaanza, Hannukah, Buddhist or non-religious winter celebration be all you need it to be.
As for me, I'm just going to continue to appreciate the magic around me and try to keep myself open for an inspiring new year.
~Winter Blessings and Love~
Lolo♥
14 Comments on Offerings and Gratitude, last added: 12/27/2010
Lo, what a sweet post. I have a special Buddha too and I have him in beads, but could not get a good photo. I am blessed to know you though we have not hugged nor talked. Happy Holidays to you and your husband and Bliss and Emma. xoxo
ah lo, i am so glad i peeked in here this morning. i am filled with gratitude, for meeting you. your buddha looks like he'd be content whereever you place him (he's happy to know you too). merry christmas eve dear lo! xxx
Oh yes!!!!! Once you have a mandala eye you will see the whole world through different eyes! I am thankful for having seen that Buddha in person...... You are in my heart this Christmas you know♥
Merry Christmas Lolo. I know you will be mightly blessed this coming year as you are so giving and loving. I feel mightly blessed to be one of your blogger buddies. Big Hugs.
We all have blessings, each and every day...one of mine is blogging and visiting with you...May your Christmas be Merry and your New Year bright! And we all love The Dollar Store, even Buddha it seems...
Kato has already sampled the christmas biscotti that was left cooling on the counter. I'm such a bad dog parent. But snow is in the forecast hoping your buddha offering helps. xoxo, e and the boyz
Winter blessing, offerings and gratitude. I totally connect with you lolo. Did you receive my Christmas mail yet? I am not sure it arrives safely here or not? Just to making sure:)
Take care and bye! Too busy, I had made so many bookmarks and kitten crafts. To be exact around 60 plus....you are one of the receivers!
Well, he looks well-placed in the photo anyway, but maybe he would benefit from having a little stand to sit on, maybe something like you would use for a large potted plant.
When I lived in Minneapolis, my favorite art object at the Institute was a statue of Jizo (the Buddha of Compassion) that was as old as it was beautiful. I hope to see it again someday.
This evening is the first night of Hanukkah/Hanukah/Chanukah — and what better way is there to celebrate than with a holiday story? Here is “The Cave of Mattathias,” a tale that originated in Eastern Europe and was passed down in the oral tradition. It is one of many stories included in Howard Schwartz’s Leaves from the Garden of Eden: One Hundred Classic Jewish Tales. Happy Hanukah!
In a village near the city of Riminov there was a Hasid whose custom it was to bring newly made oil to Reb Menachem Mendel of Riminov, and the rabbi would light the first candle of Hanukah in his presence.
One year the winter was hard, the land covered with snow, and everyone was locked in his home. But when the eve of Hanukah arrived, the Hasid was still planning to deliver the oil. His family pleaded with him not to go, but he was determined, and in the end he set out across the deep snow.
That morning he entered the forest that separated his village from Riminov, and the moment he did, it began to snow. The snow fell so fast that it covered every landmark, and when at last it stopped, the Hasid found that he was lost. The whole world was covered with snow.
Now the Hasid began to regret not listening to his family. Surely the rabbi would have forgiven his absence. Meanwhile, it had become so cold that he began to fear he might freeze. He realized that if he were to die there in the forest, he might not even be taken to a Jewish grave. That is when he remembered the oil he was carrying. In order to save his life, he would have to use it. There was no other choice.
As quickly as his numb fingers could move, he tore some of the lining out of his coat and fashioned it into a wick, and he put that wick into the snow. Then he poured oil on it and prayed with great intensity. Finally, he lit the first candle of Hanukah, and the flame seemed to light up the whole forest. And all the wolves moving through the forest saw that light and ran back to their hiding places.
After this the exhausted Hasid lay down on the snow and fell asleep. He dreamed he was walking in a warm land, and before him he saw a great mountain, and next to that mountain stood a palm tree. At the foot of the mountain was the opening of a cave. In the dream, the Hasid entered the cave and found a candle burning there. He picked up that candle, and it lit the way for him until he came to a large cavern, where an old man with a very long beard was seated. There was a sword on his thigh, and his hands were busy making wicks. All of that cavern was piled high with bales of wicks. The old man looked up when the Hasid entered and said: “Blessed be you in the Name of God.”
The Hasid returned the old man’s blessing and asked him who he was. He answered: “I am Mattathias, father of the Maccabees. During my lifetime I lit a big torch. I hoped that all of Israel would join me, but only a few obeyed my call. Now heaven has sent me to watch for the little candles in the houses of Israel to come together to form a very big flame. And that flame will announce the Redemption and the End of Days.
“Meanwhile, I prepare the wicks for the day when everyone will contribute his candle to this great flame. And now, there is something that you must do for me. When you reach the Rabbi of Riminov, tell him that the wicks are ready, and he should do whatever he can to light the flame that we have awaited so long.”
Amazed at all he had heard, the Hasid promised to give the message to the rabbi. As he turned to leave the cave, he awoke and found himself standing in front of the rabbi’s house. Just then the rabbi himself opened the door, and his face was glowing. He said: “The power of lighting the Hanukah candles is very great. Whoever dedicates his soul to this deed brings the time
0 Comments on The Cave of Mattathias as of 1/1/1900
Today, my wife handed me a list. I’m used to this; a list of things I need to pick up from the store, a list of errands to run, a list of things that need fixing around the house.
This list, however, inspired a mixture of delight and horror. It was the list of people that we need to buy Christmas presents for. “Hooray!” I thought, “it’s Christmas time.”
“Wait a sec…” came my next thought, “Isn’t it November 21st? Thanksgiving hasn’t even come yet!” There should be a law against what I call – “Christmas Creep”.
Don’t get me wrong, I looooooove Christmas-time, and I will listen to carols on the radio all season long, but this is getting serious people! As I mentioned in my last post, Thanksgiving is kind of our “thing”. And I don’t want materialistic shopping concerns horning in on my gastronomic festival!
Luckily for you, you are only a click away from crossing off every child under 6 from your Christmas or Hanukah shopping list. Orders of three books receive free shipping and now that we have 5 titles to choose from, you won’t have a hard time getting just the right gift for each of your sister’s impossible-to-shop-for triplets!
Unfortunately for me all of my family and friends have already bought every single one of our personalized books for every single one of their children… ahem… nudge, nudge.
I realize that by hawking our wares before the Thanksgiving cutoff I am only adding to the problem, but the sooner we all realize that MJM Books make the best possible presents and you needn’t look any further, the sooner we can get to what truly matters during the holidays. Eating.
Laurel - would you consider printing this up and selling? I love it so much and would love to share with some of my cousins - who would also appreciate it. if not...I'm sending them all over to see it!
Thanks eveyone! This image is actually another one of my "rejected" card designs. Maybe that company ought to see these comments ;)
Mim, yes I do sell this as notecards on my Etsy Shop but also any of my images can be ordered as prints. I left info on your blog, but most of the info is on my Etsy. Thanks for asking!
Lolo - I just bought the two chanukah cards on Etsy but am not sure if Paypal took my payent Can you check and let me know? If they didn't take it can you send me a paypal invoice?
Good morning Laurel. Your card arrived at my doorstep a few days ago. Thank you so much.
Pat the Buddha belly for me. Since Don's illness, my resident BB has shrunk considerably and I now have no belly to pat.
Merry Christmas and many blessings for the coming for the coming year. Annie
Lo, what a sweet post. I have a special Buddha too and I have him in beads, but could not get a good photo. I am blessed to know you though we have not hugged nor talked. Happy Holidays to you and your husband and Bliss and Emma.
xoxo
ah lo, i am so glad i peeked in here this morning.
i am filled with gratitude, for meeting you. your buddha looks like he'd be content whereever you place him (he's happy to know you too). merry christmas eve dear lo!
xxx
Oh yes!!!!!
Once you have a mandala eye you will see the whole world through different eyes!
I am thankful for having seen that Buddha in person......
You are in my heart this Christmas you know♥
Love♥♥♥
>M<
glad Buddha is included in the celebration too. he's pretty cute. have a glorious day filled with light and love. hugs, suki
Merry Christmas Lolo. Thanks for a year of wonderful memories.
Merry Christmas Lolo. I know you will be mightly blessed this coming year as you are so giving and loving. I feel mightly blessed to be one of your blogger buddies. Big Hugs.
We all have blessings, each and every day...one of mine is blogging and visiting with you...May your Christmas be Merry and your New Year bright! And we all love The Dollar Store, even Buddha it seems...
Good Morning dear BS and...Happy Christmas morning!
Loved last night.... and...I slept well! (Ha-ha!)
May your day be a wonderful one....
Kiss the Furry Ones and say hi to Bri!
Love,
♥ LS ♥
Happy, happy, merry, merry!
Kato has already sampled the christmas biscotti that was left cooling on the counter. I'm such a bad dog parent. But snow is in the forecast hoping your buddha offering helps. xoxo, e and the boyz
Wonderful post!There is always something to feel gratitude for even if sometimes we dont't see it.
Merry Xmas to you and your family:)
Winter blessing, offerings and gratitude.
I totally connect with you lolo.
Did you receive my Christmas mail yet?
I am not sure it arrives safely here or not?
Just to making sure:)
Take care and bye!
Too busy, I had made so many bookmarks and kitten crafts. To be exact around 60 plus....you are one of the receivers!
Well, he looks well-placed in the photo anyway, but maybe he would benefit from having a little stand to sit on, maybe something like you would use for a large potted plant.
When I lived in Minneapolis, my favorite art object at the Institute was a statue of Jizo (the Buddha of Compassion) that was as old as it was beautiful. I hope to see it again someday.
Lovely! I'm sure he's watching over you!