Every year around the world, millions of Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. This year, it’s probably going to feel a little different. As ancient echoes of widespread anti-Semitism, anti-Judaism, and anti-Zionism seem to be resounding again in the present time, the Jewish battle for survival against the Seleucid Empire finds its eerie, parallel expression in yet another conflict between Israel and her neighbors. Our guests today are First Fruits of Zion Senior Educator Aaron Eby and his wife, Rachel, and they’re going to tell us all about Hanukkah.

–  Topics –

• What is Hanukkah?
• Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?
• Candles, songs, prayers, menorahs, dreidels, latkes, sufganiyot, presents, and other traditions that enhance the holiday. The trick to frying the perfect latke. Food is such a central part of creating lasting memories.
• What does Hanukkah look like for a Messianic Jewish family?
• Traditional Jewish observance of the holliday.
• What historical event does Hanukkah recall?
• Why didn’t the book of Maccabees make it into the Hebrew Bible?
• What would have happened if the Jews had not defeated the Greek army?
• How does Messianic faith in Yeshua enhance the holiday?
• How can followers of Yeshua who are not Jewish connect to the Jewish holiday?
• The oft repeated battle for the survival of Judaism and the Jewish people.
• What are the most meaningful elements of the holiday?

–  Resource  –

Light: A Hanukkah Anthology

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.