Hanukkah is all about rededication of the temple, after it was dedicated by the Greeks, who sacrificed a pig on the altar. Pigs were not allowed, because they are not kosher. Anyway, it definitely didn't belong in the temple, and it was also being sacrificed to a pagan deity.
How many times do we go through the motions of going to church/synagogue, walking the walk, talking the talk of the life of a believer, but in our hearts, we have unkosher pigs that we are sacrificing to idols? I am preaching to myself here. I am the "chief of sinners." Realizing this in totality this weekend has brought me to a place of teshuvah, that is, repentance. The concept of teshuvah is turning and walking the other way. I am leaving behind old habits and comfort zones that I have used as crutches, but I am plunging head-long into Messiah's arms, where I am filled to over-flowing with love, peace, and purpose unfathomable.
So you could say I am rededicating my temple today, on this fine evening in June. Why not have some Hanukkah in June with me? Shalom and blessings, chaverim (friends).
