In an article in The Times of Israel of December 7th, entitled “For Parisian Jews This Holiday, Celebrating Chanuka is a Miracle,” (http://www.timesofisrael.com/for-parisian-jews-this-holiday-celebrating-hanukkah-is-a-miracle/ ) Gregg Scruggs describes how despite a recommendation from police authorities that public displays and lightings of Chanukiot be deferred this year, although there were fewer in total, many took place as usual, perhaps even with an air of defiance accompanied by additional caution and greater security precautions. Of all the Jewish celebrations throughout the year, the “Pirsumei Nissa” (publicizing the miracle) to the world around us is the most pronounced on Chanuka. This aspect of Judaism is not only a case of self-conscious in-reach, i.e., to encourage other Jews to increase their affiliation and observance, like the intent of the “Shabbat Project” (http://www.jpost.com/Not-Just-News/Shabbos-Project-initiative-set-for-this-Shabbat-in-Israel-and-around-the-world-427507 ), or the efforts of any number of Jewish outreach organizations, but rather a time-honored commemoration of an event in Jewish history whereby the central means of expressing it entails publicly identifying one’s religion and commitment to the Jewish people (see “Doorways as a Focal Point of Chanukiot and Mezuzot”). However, lighting Chanuka lights is not a Mitzva that inherently is “Yeihareg VeAl Ya’avor” (one must sacrifice his life rather than transgressing this religious requirement)—see Sanhedrin 74a where the prohibitions against murder, sexual immorality and idolatry are identified as requiring a Jew’s ultimate sacrifice. The comment in the Talmud in the name of R. Yochanan (Ibid. 74a-b) to the effect that during a time of official government persecution, any Mitzva or even custom associated with Judaism is to be defined as “Yeihareg VeAl Ya’avor,” does not seem to pertain to current random acts of terrorism and intimidation, however deadly and demoralizing they have proven to be. The Halacha therefore codifies an alternative manner for fulfilling the Commandment of lighting Chanuka lights should the surrounding environment prove overly hostile to such Jewish public expression:
Chanuka in Paris Takes on Special Significance This Year
14 Monday Dec 2015
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