Why? & Free Crafts

Some of you know the unlabel-able ins and outs of our faith & while it is really only important to those in my ‘real’ life, I do want to explain something about why it is we celebrate Hanukkah. As with most things in our lives, we try to be aware of the way we’re effecting the world, the way we interact, participate and the footprints we leave. We’re also careful with the celebrations we’ve chosen and the events we’ve allowed to become a part of our ‘rituals’. What goes into our bodies is important, so we choose the best foods. What goes into our hearts is the same.

Drew and I were not raised in Jewish homes, though more so than we realized. Our faith walks have lead us to a place that embraces the ancient traditions that would have been celebrated in the time of Messiah, the ones that are outlined in the Old Testament. Those include Passover, a seventh day Sabbath, The Feast of Tabernacles and more. Our conclusion is that these Hebraic festivals are so filled with the spirit of our faith that we have grown to crave them and love them. We’ve learned that their timing is not only relevant to our spiritual life, but to attaching us with the earth and inspiring our desire to relate to the seasons, the harvests, the animals, etc. in a a seriously connected way.

Hanukkah fits in, not as a commanded feast, but as tradition based on the providence of God in the lives of people who depended on Him, people who were suppressed, suffering and isolated–a place we all feel to be at different times. The message of standing firm, keeping your candle from under the bushel in the face of absolute destruction is one I’ve not found so well represented in any other celebration.

As with all the festivals, Hanukkah is a time of reconnecting us also with our family and friends. One of our favorite places to find great resources for study put out a Feast of Dedication (the translation of Hanukkah) booklet that had a great essay about the importance of family.

“During this week we are reminded about how the mighty arm of the Lord saves His people. We remind the kids that fiery persecutions come upon those who follow after the Lord, but that in the end, the Lord is always victorious, and He rewards those who seek Him.” 
(Light: Rededication, Miracles, Enlightenment, Celebration. 2010. p56.)
Life is not easy and there is no road you can walk on which there will be no stumbling, but if we carry our lamps we can stay on course–we can find joy. This is where our family is. We are not Jewish, but we’re not simply Christian either. We are believers and at our best we are doers.
Also, I wanted to share a few links to free Hanukkah activities.
We already love the toymaker, but yay for these!
Lots of info, songs & more here
Wish I’d found these before today, but we’ll get busy.
And a little Hanukkah coloring book.
& A Creative Jewish Mom has loads of great ideas!

5 Comments

  • Gramerly Posted December 7, 2010 1:00 am

    I think it's wonderful. The older I grow, the more I wonder why we abandoned all those wonderful traditions. Aren't we grafted into the vine? That vine being Jewish. I've become interested in Jewish Prayers and one of my favorite books since becoming a gramerly is My Grandfather's Blessing, about a Jewish grandfather. Thanks for the great links!

  • angwat Posted December 7, 2010 3:20 am

    like.

  • Dawn Posted December 8, 2010 6:00 pm

    I loved reading about your well thought out and meaningful traditions. My son came home from school yesterday so excited, because another student had shared with his class about Hanukkah.

  • Sunny Posted December 13, 2010 3:34 am

    Thank you… very cool.

  • simpli mama Posted December 21, 2010 2:34 am

    That is so awesome. We celebrate Hanukkah as my husband and his family are Jewish. We have intricately woven a tapestry that is our own family tradition by taking part in the Feasts and traditions of Judaism as well as the grace and joy of the Cross. <3 I love the resources you have! I've started a box of projects for next year I keep finding things I don't want to forget.

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