12/20/00
The Spiritual Chicks^SM Get Real!
Hanukkah - The Jewish Independence Day?

I did a little digging into the origins of Hanukkah and it’s kind of like Jewish Independence day.  Just as July 4^th commemorates Americans breaking away from British colonization, Hanukkah commemorates the Jews breaking away from Greek rule which forced all people to worship Grecian Gods and become Greek.  The eight days of Hanukkah mark the  time in which Jews restored their temple for their own people.  Although Hanukkah is not a particularly religious festival---no synagogue, no cessation of work---the historic events behind it  make a great spiritual statement: "I gotta be me."  When this credo is declared by a group of people in unity, we have great political movements such as civil rights or women’s suffrage.  Sometimes this collective sentiment even leads to war.  But I maintain that this concept is infinitely more important when considered on an individual level.  If we all felt free to be ourselves, and allowed others that freedom, there would be far less prejudice and political repression to contend with.  It may sound trite, but one of the most fundamental spiritual tenets is "to thine own self be true."  So take a little time this holiday season to figure out who you really are behind your persona on the job or when you’re with your friends and family.  To me, this gives Hanukkah a whole new meaning, and may also provide some interesting New Year’s resolutions.

Karen

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