THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 2, 1994 TAG: 9411300131
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Religion
SOURCE: BY JUDITH PARKER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
DREIDELS . . . POTATO LATKES . . . songs of praise taken from the Book of Psalms . . . Hanukkah gelt . . . the recollection of a battle won for religious freedom . . . the miracle of the Eternal Light. These are the centerpieces of the Jewish Feast of Lights, or Hanukkah.
Although it's a celebration of minor importance to international Judaism, for American Jews, especially Jewish children, the eight-day-long celebration, which recalls the recapture of the Temple in Jerusalem from the Syrians in 165 B.C., is a time to experience the bounty that is family. And with each new generation of Jewish young people, comes a modern-day Jewish statement of the treasure many believe is their unique religious heritage.
``I think this is a really big celebration,'' said 12-year-old Will Chapman, son of Ira and Jan Steingold, members of Temple Sinai, and residents of Jolliff Woods.
``Sure we get gifts, but Hanukkah isn't about gifts, it's about my family coming together,'' Will said. ``And for me to learn more and more what it means to be Jewish.''
Will, who was raised a Methodist, but is now a student in the combined religious education program of Temple Sinai and Gomley Chesed Synagogue, brings an unusual perspective in celebrating Hanukkah and other Jewish observances.
``I guess I have the best because I have a foot in both doors. But I can really relate to Judaism,'' he said, ``because holidays like Hanukkah help make me a wiser person. Through the story of the Maccabees I've learned that I can accomplish anything if I have a strong faith, and if I try hard enough.''
Although the United States is a melting pot of cultures and races, the significance of their religious identity does not allow for Jews to assimilate into the majority culture of American Christianity. So, while burning menorahs, games played with dreidels, the aroma of freshly fried potato pancakes, and gift giving are the visible trappings of Hanukkah, this celebration is not the Jewish equivalent to the yule season.
Hanukkah, when translated from the Hebrew, means ``dedication'' and celebrates the victory of a small Jewish army led by Judah Maccabee over the Seleucids and their king, Antiochus IV, more than 2,000 years ago.
The celebration, which began at sundown Sunday, will end at sundown Monday.
According to talmudic legend, when the Jews recaptured the temple in Jerusalem and cleansed it of their enemy's idols, they found one small vial of lamp oil for a rededication service. Inexplicably, the oil, enough to light the building's menorah for but one day, burned for eight days, and so was born the myth of a miracle.
``The story of the miracle oil is analogous to the story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree,'' said Rabbi Arthur Z. Steinberg of Temple Sinai. ``It just didn't happen. But it is a story more popular in this country than anywhere else in the world.
``The real miracle that occurred is that when the Jews fought and won against the Syrians, it was the first time in recorded history that a battle was fought for religious freedom.
``That is what makes the celebration of Hanukkah so significant. The Jews were not fighting for land or booty, but were ridding themselves of the hellenistic and pagan influences in their lives.''
The lesson of fighting for one's religious freedom is not lost on youngsters such as Will Chapman and his 5-year-old brother, Michael Steingold, or their companions in religion school, Danielle and Jason Unger.
``The Syrians didn't want the Jews to study the Torah,'' said Jason, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Western Branch Middle School, and the son of Janice and Jonathan Unger of Point Elizabeth. ``They told the Jews, `Do what we say or you'll die.' But the Jews believed so much in their God that they weren't afraid. And they won.''
The home is central to the celebration of Hanukkah, a feature that differentiates it from other Jewish celebrations, said Rabbi Phillip S. Krohn of Gomley Chesed Synagogue.
``Reciting the ritual prayers and lighting their menorahs together,'' Krohn said, ``is a beautiful experience for families to share so intimately with one another.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
Rabbi Arthur Steinberg lights a menorah, at the beginning of
Hanukkah. Looking on are Ally Dolsey, Rikki Dolsey, Jennifer
Steinberg, Emily Wolf, Gretchen Wolf and Jill Bari Steinberg.
by CNB