Midrash Le-Chanukah
Channah. Daughter of Matisyahu HaKohen, whose modesty is held in highest regard. She is marrying the esteemed Elazar HaChashmonai.
“When the day of the celebration came, all the elders of Israel gathered in honor of Mattityahu, the High Priest, and the son of Hashmonai, for there were none in that generation as great as them.”
Everyone attended the grand celebration. These were dark times for the Jews. There were few reasons to celebrate, and weddings were rare. The Greeks had imposed yet another horrible decree;
Every Jewish girl must spend her wedding night with the Greek governor before consummating her marriage with her husband.
“And the Greeks would sexually abuse the daughters of Israel, and this went on for three years and eight months, until the act of one daughter of Mattityahu, the High Priest…”
As a result of this decree, the Jews stopped marrying. For three years and three months, no wedding was held in Judea. Then it came time for Channa, daughter of Matisyahu the Hasmonean to marry.
Channah can choose to be raped by the Greek Governor on her wedding night, the decree that was imposed on all the Jewish maidens
Or – she can speak up. Does she dare?
Channah knows she needs to do something drastic to force the men into action. She’s willing to risk her life, not just for herself, but on behalf of all the Jewish girls.
Channah stands on the dais, and begins tearing her dress at the seams…. “and all her garments”….
“And she stood before all of Israel, exposed.”
“When her brothers saw this they were ashamed…and stood up to kill her.”
Channah cried out reminding them, that Shimon & Levi avenged their sister Dina *after* she was violated.
“Yet my 5 brothers and 200 priests willingly give your sister over to be raped..!”
Her words stung.
She urged them to seize the moment, to channel their zealousness, to take action and stop the decree.
Channah’s brothers used her courageous act to revolt against the Greeks.
They formed the Macabbees…..
And the rest as they say, is history.
This, is the story of “Channah-uka”.
Women are obligated to light the menorah on Chanukah because they played a pivotal role in the miracle of Chanuka.
“Af hen hayu b’oto hanes” (“they too were involved in the miracle”), highlights the women’s active participation in the events leading to the victory and rededication of the Bet Hamikdash.
Specifically, the bravery of figures like Channah and Yehudit (Judith), who heroically killed the Asyrian general Holophronus, underscores the women’s integral role in the Chanukah story, and their connection to its mitzvot.
A powerful reminder that women have always been at the heart of redemption, embodying courage and creating lasting change.
Channah’s story teaches us that finding your VOICE and taking a stand isn’t just about bravery.
It’s about believing in YOUR WORTH & ACTING on it.
In my work, I help women uncover their worth and move through their personal stories, so that they can feel empowered to embody the qualities of strength & resilience.
So they can use their voice. To speak up with confidence. And create the lasting change they so strongly desire.
If you’re ready to reclaim your voice and move thru the pieces of your past, click here https://zipporahruth.com/contact/ to book your free coaching call.
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This Chanukah, let’s nor forget to celebrate our strengths, the hard work we’ve done, and continue to do, to create a healthier, happier, and safer lives for our daughters, our children.
May you feel the strength of Channah as you continue to create courageous change for you, and your future generations.
Wishing you love and miracles of light,
Zipporah Ruth
