We join the Jewish people in celebrating two cultural feasts: Hannukah and Purim. We celebrate these feasts as a way of rejoicing with the Jewish people in their miraculous salvation brought about in the historical events associated with the feasts. These feasts are a testimony of God’s faithfulness to deliver His people and preserve His plans and purposes in saving both the Jewish people and the nations.

Hannukah, also known as the Feast of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, commemorates the great victory that God brought about through the Maccabees as they miraculously defeated the Seleucid empire under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, freeing the Jewish people to worship God. After this great victory, they cleaned the Temple and restored the Temple service.

We gather to recount this great victory through the lighting of the Hanukkiah (menorah) with each of the candles depicting the eight days of the feast.

Purim commemorates the great victory God brought about in Ancient Persia to save the Jewish people from annihilation. The story is recorded in the Book of Esther. We gather to celebrate with food, games and a play that helps to tell the story. We also read the Book of Esther. It is a time of great joy and celebration.