Going to Ski Trips During Hanukkah

 


Key holidays are important in choosing a time to schedule your ski trips. Among the many known cross-cultural celebrations in America, the Jewish Hanukkah has earned a unique reputation in the general public. For most Gentiles, this holiday is recognized in the same magnitude as Christmas or Islamic Ramadan. While delving into the deeper definition of Hanukkah in the Hebrew perspective, some of its key traditional meanings somehow make ski outings appropriate. Here are some of the reasons that justify comparing

Hanukkah values to the intense skiing sport:

Celebrating courage and victory

Contrary to popular misconception, Hanukkah is a celebration that was conceived as a byproduct of warfare. During the 2nd Century AD, the Maccabean Hebrews rebelled against the powerful Greek empire of Alexander the Great. The very reason Hanukkah is celebrated is because the Jewish victory was believed to be nothing short of a miracle. The inferior Hebrew rebels only had courage and faith compared to the superior might of the Greeks. How is this significant to skiing? Any novice skier considers sliding the treacherous alpine slope as a daunting challenge. It takes faith and courage to start that great leap. The central Hanukkah theme is a fitting subject for inspiration.

Green Hanukkah, and the love of nature

Hanukkah is a good holiday to celebrate in ski resorts or remote ski towns. The thematic €miracle of the oil€ has transcended beyond the confines of religious ideology and made its way to general environmentalism. Wildlife photographers and enthusiasts spending a vacation will find Hanukkah a fitting holiday to celebrate as it is congruent to their ecological sentiments. After all, some ski resorts have peripheral nature reserves worth protecting.

Eight evenings of solemnity

Hanukkah is a very solemn event, even for non-devout Jewish individuals. It is quite difficult to maintain that sacredness in the midst of urban civilization replete with materialism and other secular temptations. Fortunately, rural ski vacation destinations can also serve as a fitting retreat location. These outdoor sites can provide an environment that is more compatible to meditation and prayer. Plus, a total detachment from the noise and fast-paced tempo of the city can allow one to savor the moment of blessing and lighting the candles.

A good time for open inter-faith dialogue

As an extension to celebrating the spirit of courage, the events that shaped Hanukkah celebration was also not possible without emphasizing €proclamation of faith€. It takes courage and grace to testify to one's personal beliefs, especially in a society that heavily stresses secular values. Hanukkah is a good time to get to know new friends and discussing good points among contrasting personal beliefs. Religious or philosophical discussions are often touchy topics, one that warrants solid reasons for initiating one. Celebrating Hanukkah justifies such social activity.


There is good reason to celebrate Hanukkah at ski resorts. Scheduling ski trips in this time of the year is an interesting way to commemorate a meaningful holiday for Hebrews and even sympathetic Gentiles.

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/Going-to-Ski-Trips-During-Hanukkah/9814681/