The hymn promises a time when we will defeat all tyrants and all people will live together in peace, said Katzen-Guthrie. Although there was only enough oil to last one night, the light burned for the eight days needed to procure more oil. Hanukkah commemorates a story of both religious and political persecution and tyranny, and becomes a celebration of miracles, said Arthur Baseman, rabbi of Temple B'nai Israel in Clearwater. Had the Jews not succeeded in restoring their faith, there would be no Hanukkah and no Christmas, said Baseman. Katzen-Guthrie's individual faith began to develop while in high school, as she struggled to understand why so much pain had been inflicted in the name of God, and why the Holocaust had occurred.
Religion is the desire for peace, harmony and love.
Tenn. She expected to become a classical pianist. While in high school, Katzen-Guthrie met Florence Berman, who sang Yiddish songs, and needed someone to accompany her on the piano. It was Berman that introduced Katzen-Guthrie to many of the ethnic folk songs. During this time, Katzen-Guthrie also began composing and singing original items. By the time she went to college, Katzen-Guthrie knew she no longer wanted a career devoted solely to classical piano.