“The Eternal One said to Satan ” Zechariah 3:2
In the northern hemisphere Chanucah usually falls when the nights are longest and darkest, but not this year, a month earlier than usual and, at its core, Chanucah is not a winter solstice festival anyway but a postponed Succot.
The Maccabees could only celebrate Succot after the altar was rededicated and therefore Succot could only be celebrated that year for eight days in Kislev and Tevet. By doing so, they echoed Solomon’s dedication of the First Temple, which took place on Succot.
The haftarah this week is therefore related to Chanucah, the time of the re-dedication of the altar (chanucat hamizbe’ach), and it deals with cultic symbols. The altar, where we once offered what we have to God, stands for our devotion to God. The Temple menorah with its seven branches is the symbol of God’s life-illuminating presence. Altar and menorah symbolise giving and receiving.
