Page 27 - Attractive Deception - The False Hope of the Hebrew Roots Movement

examining the origins of the Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah. It should raise some eyebrows,
leading to significant scrutiny, when it is often remarked that Hanukkah is “the Jewish Christmas.”

I can hear the protests now. “No! Hanukkah is a legitimate Jewish holiday. Its origins are traceable
back to the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of oil at the re-dedication of the Second Temple after
the Greeks had defiled it.” Yes, and adherents of Christmas declare that it is traceable back to the
birth of Christ; its rites and symbols are derived from the Star of Bethelehem, the presentation of
gifts by the Magi, and angels announcing to shepherds in the field that the King of the Jews had been
born! Brothers and sisters, it can be demonstrably proven that Hanukkah is as much derived from
the Roman Saturnalia as is Christmas. Like Christmas to the Christians, Hanukkah is Saturn/Satan
worship covered over with a whitewash of “Jewishness.” I do not ask you to accept this conclusion
based upon my word. I will present the evidence before you and invite you to judge.

On the surface, both Christmas and Hanukkah share numerous similarities. They occur close together
on the calendar. They both are observed over multiple days. Gift giving is equally associated with
them. Lights/candles are integral parts of both observances. There is also an increasing crossover of
traditions from Christmas to Hanukkah with many people beginning to incorporate a Hanukkah Bush
in their celebration, topped with a star in imitation of the Christmas Tree.

There are some who errantly style themselves as “purists” who resist the intrusion of Christmas
observances into Hanukkah. In order to keep Hanukkah “undefiled” they hold to the traditions of the
rabbis set forth in the Talmud. They attempt to observe Hanukkah as they imagine it to have been
observed by the Jews who lived in the day of Christ. The central focus of this Hebrew festival
becomes the nine candle menorah, also called the Hanukiah. I have yet to find any Hebrew Roots
adherents who observe Hanukkah who do not adopt the Hanukiah as a central part of their ritual.