Hanukkah

Hanukkah, which is called the Festival of the Lights, is celebrated every winter for eight days and eight nights by Jewish people around the world.  It begins on the eve of the Jewish month Kislev 25, which usually falls in December.

The Story

The story behind the celebration goes all the way back to the second century BCE. At that time the Holy Land was ruled by Syrian Greeks who wanted to force the people of Israel to turn their backs on their own culture and religious beliefs and to adopt Greek beliefs and culture instead. The Jews resisted. Judah the Maccabee led a band of believers who were poorly armed, but strong in spirit and belief. Against all odds, after a long and difficult fight, they succeeded in driving the mighty Greeks out of their homeland. When they were able to return to the temple, they wanted to relight the menorah, which would never again go out. This would rededicate their holy space to the service of God. Unfortunately, they found that there was only enough olive oil to burn for one day and night. To make more olive oil following the conditions of ritual purity, it would take eight days, not one, and there was no way to hurry the process. In faith, they lit the menorah anyway and set about to press olives to make new oil. Now that they were back in their temple, to let the flames go out again would have been terrible, but the Maccabees worked and prayed and remained faithful. Miraculously, the flames burned for the entire 8 days and nights until new oil could be prepared. The light did not go out! To commemorate this miracle, the holy festival of Hanukkah was instituted. From that time until now, Jewish families and individuals gather to light a candle in a menorah, and place it in a window or somewhere that all can see it. In memory of God’s faithfulness, they light another candle every night for eight days and nights, recite special blessings, share meals, and celebrate together. Because of the oil that lasted for eight days, they eat foods that are fried in oil, such as potato latkes and doughnuts. They play games such as spinning dreidels, often for foil-covered chocolate coins called gelt. People are encouraged to “listen to the candles” to see what message is there.

Listen to the candles.

Here are three things the candles might say:

1. The upright candles remind us to never be afraid to stand up for what is right, like Judah Maccabee stood up to the Greeks.

2. Adding another candle every night reminds us to always increase when it comes to goodness and mitzvas, acts of kindness and service.

3. Putting the menorah in a window reminds us not to hide the light, but share the miracle with the world.

What do the candles say to you?

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, or one of the other winter holidays, or none at all, I celebrate you. You are a light to be cherished. Even when you feel dark, the light is there, hiding, never going out. You are worthy of celebration, just as you are, no mask required.

May your Hanukkah be bright and joyful.