Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of a great miracle—the victory of a small, beleaguered nation over her powerful oppressors. In lighting the menorah, we rejoice in the triumph of freedom over tyranny, goodness over evil, right over might, and light over darkness. Each year as we celebrate this holiday and kindle our menorahs, we add more light to the world.
Redemption, Against All Odds
In the time of King Antiochus, the fate of the Jewish people seemed grim, indeed. The vastly outnumbered Maccabees were up against the world’s most sophisticated military machine. They faced opposition from within, as well. Many of their brethren were meek, complacent, and all too willing to forsake their heritage and assimilate into the Hellenistic culture. It was the proverbial “darkest hour before the dawn.” Yet, sure enough, with the dawn came the miraculous, unprecedented victory. With G-d’s help and against all odds, the Maccabees were able to reclaim the Holy Land and rededicate the Holy Temple.
Throughout the ages, Hanukkah has signified the miraculous triumph of the weak over the strong, the pure over the impure and the righteous over the wicked. Whenever the integrity of the Jewish people is under siege, no matter how dark the night, the Hanukkah lights proclaim with confidence that the dawn of deliverance is near.
Spreading the Light
The menorah is lit either in the doorway, or in a front window, so that it can be seen outside in the street. It is not enough to bring light into our own homes, we must spread the light and warmth of Torah to the outer environment as well, as far as our influence can reach.
Light the Menorah with the whole family! Use olive oil or candles large enough to burn until half an hour after nightfall.
Brighter and Brighter
Each night of Hanukkah, we add another light to the menorah, until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. This signifies that in matters of holiness, we must always increase. With every added flame, we deepen our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life.
Illuminating the Darkness
A great rabbi once remarked that “you cannot chase away darkness with a stick—you have to turn on the light.” The way to eliminate darkness—to rid the world of ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed—is to kindle the lights of knowledge, generosity, hope, and love.
Hanukkah reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the light of knowledge can shine brightly, and that redemption is at hand—if we will kindle just one more lamp.
Fun Customs
Hanukkah gelt for the kids! Reward your children and grandchildren with Hanukkah gelt for exemplary behavior such as diligence in their studies and acts of charity. Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children’s happiness and festive spirit. Whether it’s money or chocolate it will put a smile on their little faces.
Play Dreidel! The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, also called a s’vivon, in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin. The letters stand for the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham—a great miracle happened there. It is traditionally used to play a lively game.
Eat donuts and latkes and other foods fried in oil, to remember the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days!
Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah. May this Festival of Lights bring blessings upon you and all your loved ones for happiness and for health, peace and security in Israel, and usher in a better world for all of human kind.
