literarydiscussions.myfreeforum.org

Sitaram · Site Admin Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 1079

It's Been More Than 2,000 Years...

The holiday of Chanukah is approaching. Over 2,000 years ago, the
Nation of Israel was called upon to manifest dedication and a
willingness to sacrifice in the face of an oppressive world power.

It's already more than 2,000 years that we have been celebrating the
great miracle that happened then - the one that began with the Nation
of Israel withstanding a great test, not breaking and not caving in.

It's already more than 2,000 years that we have been commemorating
the victory not only over the Syrian-Greeks, but also over a
traitorous Jewish Hellenistic regime that cooperated and collaborated
with the enemies of Israel.

It's already more than 2,000 years that we have been drawing great
strength, courage and spirit from the call of Mattathias the High
Priest: "Whoever is for the Lord - to me!" - even though responding
to this call was liable to cost one his life or those of his family.

It's already more than 2,000 years that the dramatic declaration by
Judah Maccabee has been ringing in our ears: "We will defend with our
bodies our Torah, our Holy Temple, and our forefathers' inheritance."

It's already more than 2,000 years that the words of Shimon the
Hasmonean to King Antiochus VII have been escorting us, as a charge
for generations: "We did not conquer a foreign land, nor did we
snatch the inheritance of others. We have returned to the
inheritance of our fathers that was taken from us unjustly."

Get your own free IRC Chat room