ABOUT RABBI DEREK LEMAN
Education: M.T.S in Hebrew Bible, Emory University. Rabbinic Studies, Messianic Jewish Theological Institute.
Writings: Yeshua Our Atonement (Dec 2012), Yeshua in Context (2010), Feast (2008), The World to Come (2008), A New Look at the Old Testament (2006), Paul Didn’t Eat Pork (2005), Jesus Didn’t Have Blue Eyes (2004), Walking with Yeshua (2000), Proverbial Wisdom and Common Sense (1998).
About Me: Linda and I have eight children who fill our lives with fun and friendship. We are a homeschooling family dedicated personally to the value of a faith-filled home. My special interests include the Hebrew Bible, the Gospels, the life and teachings of Yeshua, theology, Second Temple Jewish history, Abraham Joshua Heschel, the early midrashim of the land of Israel, mussar, mysticism, the Hebrew language, Isaiah, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, science fiction, fantasy, Star Trek, and beer. Not necessarily in that order.
Links: I have a site dedicated to promoting learning of the Hebrew Bible at AncientBible.net. My author page can be found at DerekLeman.com. I am avid and prolific blogger at DerekLeman.com/Musings. You can see videos of me explaining topics in the Hebrew Bible at DerekLeman.com/videos. You can find books and resources by me on amazon and also at my MountOlivePress.com site. I am easy to find on Facebook and Twitter.
Rabbi Leman: Hanukkah, I know the story, in fact my son took part in a Hanukkah play this past weekend which told the story); But my question to you is from my understanding the story is based on legend, even though Yeshua did indeed preach in the temple during the festival of lights but where does G-D command us to light the Hanukkah candles and celebrate this miracle of the oil burning for eight days instead of the one day of oil that was left? Is it not true we need to be careful of adding to G-D’S Word? I understand as well we need to be a light for all nations as well, but I was wondering in your view is it wrong to say that G-D commanded us to light the Hanukkah candles? And could you provide some good references for me to read where I could study this out more.
Thanks for your time:
Earl Glass
Earl:
The aspect of Hanukkah that is a legend is the “miracle of the oil” burning for eight days. The story of Hanukkah is true and is found in many sources, not least 1 Maccabees.
When we say that God has commanded us to light the candles we are referring to the general command that we sanctify holy days (which, agreed, Hanukkah is not) and remember his acts of lovingkindness (which Hanukkah is). So the rabbis commanded the lighting. I have no problem saying God commanded us because he appointed teachers over Israel and as part of Israel, I follow the traditions and teachings. I am fulfilling his command to remember his deeds and proclaim them when I light.