Chanukah commemorates events that took place around 168-165 B.C. The Jewish people were under foreign domination, ruled by the Syrian king Antiochus, who forced them to abandon their culture and religion. He made sure the Jewish people could not use the Temple to worship our God. He erected idols in the holy place—and worst of all; he sacrificed a pig on the altar. The Jewish people were utterly defeated and demoralized—until a small band of guerilla soldiers known as the Maccabees rekindled their hope. Within three years, these warriors miraculously recaptured Jerusalem and the Temple.

Note that Chanukah—which means dedication—was not named for the brave warriors. The real victory was being able to worship the God of Israel once again. The Temple was rededicated on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, in the year 165 BC. The most significant of all meanings apart from its Messianic tone, is the fact that the primary message of Chanukah is that we should reject Pagan influences, and stick to what is written for us in the Hebrew Scriptures (from Bereshit / Genesis to HaHitgalut / Revelation).

How Do I Celebrate Chanukah? The Chanukiah (9 branch) menorah should be placed in a window or outside to publicize this great miracle. The candles are placed in the menorah from left to right and the candles are kindled from right to left. The center candle is called the Shamash (servant / caretaker / helper). The Shamash is removed, lit, and used to kindle the other candles then returned to its holder. .

Chanukah demonstrates the Jewishness of Yeshua. The scriptures clearly show that the Messiah Yeshua was born of a Jewish mother, he is a descendant of King David, and belongs to the Tribe of Judah. His coming was foretold by the Jewish Prophets. All of these things confirm His Jewishness. However, the "clincher" for us is his observance of the Feast of Dedication (Chanukah) as related in Yochanan 10:22-23 “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Yeshua walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s porch”. The fact that he traveled, in the middle of winter, from Galilee to Jerusalem, tells me that Yeshua was serious about His Jewishness.

Another aspect of Chanukah that Rabbeinu (our Rabbi) Yeshua Melech Yisrael mirrors is that of the Servant Candle (Shamash). He taught his disciples to serve others as he did. He came to serve and not to be served. The Servant Candle is a picture of the Suffering Servant Messiah as prophesied Yeshayahu / Isaiah 53:5.

As we kindle our Chanukah candles, let us remember this shining Son of Israel, who loved his people and lived out the message of the Servant Candle of Chanukah.