Assimilation, the long struggle.
You shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. -Leviticus 18:3
From the early days of Israel’s history, assimilation has been a struggle. Assimilation means to be absorbed into another culture and people. Most of the world’s ancient peoples assimilated and disappeared. Assimilation is another way, in addition to war and anti-Semitism, for the Jewish people to cease existing.
Early in Israel’s history there were the Canaanites, close cousins in language and culture. Upon entering the land it would be so easy for Israelites to slip into the statutes of Canaan. Their sexual practices, blood rites, and even child sacrifice could overtake the people of Israel. If this had happened the world would not read about Israel in the pages of the Bible today (if there was a Bible at all).
After the Canaanites, there were the Philistines. They were an Aegean people who took to the sea and occupied the west coast of Canaan not long after Israel arrived. Their diet was relatively high in pork and they were famously uncircumcised. The Israelites not only resisted the Philistines in battle but also resisted adopting their ways according to some archaeologists.
At this time of year we think of the greatest story of assimilation and resistance in Jewish history. The Hanukkah story is about a time when Israel’s leaders became enamored with the new Greek ways spreading all over the known world. A brave movement of warriors rose up to galvanize Israel’s resistance. A century and a half before the birth of Yeshua, Israel came rather close to disappearing.
The struggle to assimilate continues. Messianic Jews have only in very recent history had the option of following Yeshua in community while retaining Torah faithfulness and involvement in the wider Jewish community. The choice to follow the Jewish Messiah has sadly brought an end to Jewish life in many families and still does. At Hanukkah it is good to remember that being a Jew is a calling and one that should be strengthened by following Yeshua and by a vibrant Messianic Judaism.
