What Unites Our Time to the Maccabees’

The often-neglected aspect of the Hanukkah story underscores the heightened challenges faced by women during oppression. Yehudit haMaccabee, a pivotal figure, initiated the rebellion by outsmarting a general who would seize women on their wedding nights. Yehudit's clever tactics, involving fried dairy foods and wine, enabled her to incapacitate the general and bring his head back to her people.

Hamas' brutality in violating women is unequivocal. Such conduct is unacceptable in any context, even in armed conflict. This parallels historical brutality towards women before the Maccabean Revolt, emphasizing the need to liberate the Land for the well-being of all women.

Hanukkah holds particular significance for women, urging them to refrain from work for at least 30 minutes after lighting the menorah to reflect on Yehudit's actions. The current conflict resonates strongly with women, highlighting that Israel fights not only for national security but also for the safety of women against its external threats.

The Seleucid Greeks, initially claiming indifference towards Jews, demanded relinquishing the Torah. Over time, all aspects of Judaism were deemed defiant, culminating in the desecration of the Holy Temple on the Temple Mount. This resonates with contemporary issues concerning sacred sites in Israel, as seen with Hamas naming their operation after the Al Aqsa Shrine.

Despite enduring a brutal attack, Israel has faced pressured to offer a ceasefire and aid, reinforcing the message that Jewish survival is only tolerated based on submission to foreign powers. This echoes historical attempts to coerce Jews into abandoning their values. 

The question of when and how to respond militarily is age-old, but recent decades have shifted global perspectives on wars of conquest. While wars of conquest are generally frowned upon globally, Jews historically engaged in defensive wars. The Hanukkah story reflects a turning point where, despite prolonged oppression, resistance prevailed, dispelling doubts about success.

In the current context, Israel's response differs from its historical approach, opting for long-term stability over appeasement. Though the fight may not seem directly tied to religious freedom, peace is crucial for accessing sacred sites safely, paralleling the challenges faced before the Maccabean revolt.

The overlooked aspect of the Hanukkah story reveals a significant civil war that began as assimilated Jews fought against traditional Jews. This conflict expanded as assimilated Jews sought reinforcements from the Seleucids. The Maccabean revolt, while successful in the short term, saw their goals eroded as they adopted violent and assimilative tendencies.

The current situation presents an opportunity to rectify past mistakes. Amidst attacks and spikes in antisemitism, differences in politics and religious expression have been set aside, fostering solidarity among Jews globally. This Hanukkah serves as a reminder that victory militarily is only part of the test; the true challenge lies in maintaining unity among Jews worldwide.

This Hanukkah provides an opportunity to draw parallels between the current struggles of the Jewish people and the Maccabees of millennia ago, aiming for permanent, positive change.

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