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When we think of Chanukah, we think of a fun time: beautiful candles, Chanukah parties, dreidels and latkes,
Chanukah gelt – it’s just wonderful.
But did you know that Chanukah is really the commemoration of a military battle? The Maccabbees took on the
Greek super-power. It was a suicide mission - no one could dream of fighting the mighty Greek Empire! They
fought to the death; they were heroes and we applaud them. We celebrate the miraculous military victory and the
survival of the Jewish People.
So, why did they do take on the Greek super power? It was a battle for the Destiny of mankind - a fight for morality.
But why? What difference would it really have made if the Jewish People had lost the war and disappeared or
assimilated? We would still have, theatre, TV, museums, art and music, the Olympics – these are great contributions
to the world that we get from the Greeks.
The Jewish People have changed the world. Without the Jews, we wouldn’t have monotheism and morality, we’d
have Homer - glorifying the warrior. We’d still have gladiators. We would not have peace on earth as a value, but
murder & “might makes right.” We wouldn’t have the value of life, but infanticide. Children in the ancient world were
chattel – even a cleft lip was enough to warrant death for a newborn child. Hospitals, welfare, justice, education for
all, the dignity of man... all these are Jewish contributions.
Chanukah is the celebration of a victory for human civilization, for “tikun olum,” perfecting the world. It’s a celebration
of the advancement of humanity itself.
Additional info:
Exaggeration?
Now, if you are thinking "isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration about the Jewish influence on civilization," listen to what
John Adams, Second President of the United States, and Paul Johnson, a world renowned historian had to say:
John Adams
"... I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist and believed
in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing
the nations.... They are the most glorious Nation that ever inhabited this Earth. The Romans and their Empire were but
a bauble in comparison of the Jews. They have given religion to three-quarters of the Globe and have influenced the
affairs of Mankind more, and more happily than any other Nation, ancient or modern." (from a letter to F.A. Van der
Kemp, 1808. Pennsylvania Historical Society.)
Paul Johnson, writes in his book, The History of the Jews, (New York: Harper & Row, 1987):
"One way of summing up 4,000 years of Jewish history is to ask ourselves what would have happened to the human
race if… no specific Jewish people had come into being. Certainly the world without the Jews would have been a radically
different place. Humanity might have eventually stumbled upon all the Jewish insights. But we cannot be sure. All the great
conceptual discoveries of the intellect seem obvious and inescapable for the first time. The Jews had this gift.
"To them we owe the idea of equality before the law, both divine and human, of the sanctity of life, and the dignity of the
human person, of individual conscience and so of personal redemption; of collective conscience and so of social responsibility;
of peace as an abstract idea and love as the foundation of justice, and many other items which constitute the basic moral
furniture of the human mind. Without the Jews, it might have been a much emptier place."
Addendum:
Rabbi Ken Spiro, historian and author of WorldPerfect - The Jewish Impact on Civilization, would begin his classes on Jewish
history by canvassing his students as to what are the values that they and the world hold dear – values that are necessary for
a utopian society. Here are the results compiled from approximately 1,500 students:
Value of Life - People have the right to life, and to live with a certain basic dignity and rights.
World Peace - On all levels, communally and globally, people and nations should co-exist in peace and harmony with mutual
respect.
Justice and Equality - All people, regardless of race, sex, or social status, have the right to be treated equally and fairly in the
eyes of the law.
Education - Everyone has the right to be functionally literate as a basic tool for personal advancement and the ability to attain
knowledge.
Family - A strong, stable family structure is necessary for the moral foundation of society.
Social Responsibility - Individually and nationally, we are responsible for each other. This includes responsibility for: disease,
poverty, famine, crime and drugs, as well as environmental problems and animal rights.
Where do these values come from? Most people would say Greece or Rome. Would you be surprised to find out that they are
wrong? In a highly readable, well-documented and fascinating book, Rabbi Spiro illuminates the origins of values and virtues in
Western Civilization. Would you be surprised to learn that these values came from the Jewish people?
If you are fascinated to learn more about the impact of the Jewish people on humanity, you can purchase a copy at any
bookstore (though it is nice to support your local Jewish bookstore!) or by calling toll-free 877-758-3242. There is also an
online interactive multi-media seminar at www.aish.com/worldpefect.
Project Inspire has been set up to enable people to reach out to their Jewish
brothers and sisters who may otherwise not experience the beauty
and depth of their heritage.
To participate:
Call:212-579-1388 ext 33 or
Email: projectinspire@aish.com
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