Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, approaches once again, marking an important time of reflection and celebration. This year, the festival spans eight days, commencing on the evening of December 25, 2024, and concluding on January 2, 2025. Notably, this year’s observance coincides with Christmas, which, according to historical patterns, happens only about five times since 1900.
At its core, Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of the Maccabees over Greek-Syrian oppression, commemorated through the miraculous events surrounding the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. The story recounts how, after the Maccabean victory, just enough ritually pure oil was found to keep the menorah lit for one night. Remarkably, the oil lasted for eight days, establishing the basis of the eight-day celebration we know today.
The symbolism behind Hanukkah is powerful. The oil’s miraculous endurance serves as a metaphor for resilience and the unwavering spirit of the Jewish people throughout millennia. “Hanukkah means dedication,” and it is this spirit of dedication to faith, cultural heritage, and community spirit which unites Jewish people across the globe.
Central to Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. Each night, families light one additional candle for the eight nights, using the shamash as the helper candle to ignite the others. This nightly ritual symbolizes the spread of light, even amid growing darkness—an apt reminder of the Jewish tradition of being “a light unto the nations.” The menorah is often displayed prominently to symbolize public acknowledgment of faith, illuminating windows and doorsteps.
Traditions vary, but the essence remains rooted deeply within the themes of joy and fellowship. Families gather not only to light the menorah but also to indulge in special foods like latkes and sufganiyot, which are both fried to commemorate the miracle of the oil. “Latkes” are savory potato pancakes, whereas “sufganiyot” are jelly-filled doughnuts, both representing the oil’s miraculous quality.
Playing dreidel, a customary game involving spinning tops, ties back to the historical practice of gambling to disguise religious observance during oppressive times. The dreidel has four Hebrew letters on its sides—nun, gimmel, hay, and shin—standing for the phrase "A great miracle happened there." For those celebrating in Israel, the letters change to pay instead of shin, meaning, "A great miracle happened here," emphasizing the local connection to the holiday's legacy.
Despite variations among the different branches of Judaism—Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox—all focus on illuminating light during Hanukkah and the power of hope against adversity. While there are some debates about the specific order of lighting the menorah, families traditionally light from left to right, making sure to start with the newest flame each night.
Hanukkah’s observance cascades through generations, textbook teaches resilience and solidarity within the Jewish community. Its influence has inspired countless contributions to society, remaining relevant no matter the historical backdrop. Today, as political and social challenges persist, Hanukkah continues to represent hope, asserting the necessity of justice and truth.
Reflecting upon historical injustices, such as modern-day challenges against antisemitism, Jews often return to the teachings of Hanukkah. The principles of tikkun olam—repairing the world—have shaped Jewish values, driving many to fight against prejudice and injustice. It is through these values and traditions, reignited every December, we are reminded of the strength rooted within the community.
Hanukkah serves not only as remembrance but as a call to action. This year, as families and communities gather to light the menorah, share stories, and partake of traditional foods, the spirit of the Maccabees may be invoked once again, combining the festive joy of the holiday with the enduring message of resilience. No matter the darkness, light will always endure.
