by Ram ben Ze'ev
Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the miracle of light and the rededication of the Holy Temple in ירושלים (Yerushalayim, Jerusalem) after its desecration by Greek oppressors more than 2,000 years ago. This year, Hanukkah begins on 25 December.
The story of Hanukkah originates during the rule of the Seleucid Empire, which sought to force the Jewish people to abandon their faith and embrace Greek customs. A small, determined group of Jewish fighters, the מכבים (Maccabim, Maccabees), courageously rebelled against this oppression. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they achieved a miraculous victory.
Following their triumph, the Maccabim returned to the בית המקדש (Beit HaMikdash, Holy Temple) in Yerushalayim, which had been defiled. Their mission was to purify and rededicate it to G-D. Central to this effort was the lighting of the Temple’s מנורה (Menorah), a seven-branched candelabrum symbolizing G-D’s presence. However, they discovered only one small jar of pure olive oil, sufficient to burn for just one day. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, providing the necessary time to prepare more.
In commemoration of this miracle, Jews light a special מנורה called a חנוכיה (Hanukiah) during Hanukkah. This nine-branched candelabrum includes eight candles for the days of Hanukkah and one for the שמש (Shamash), the helper candle used to light the others. Each night, an additional candle is lit, culminating in all eight glowing brightly on the final evening.
Hanukkah is a time of joy and celebration, marked by prayers, songs, and the recitation of ברכות (Berachot, blessings). Traditional foods such as לטקס (Latkes, fried potato pancakes) and סופגניות (Sufganiyot, doughnuts) are enjoyed, as they are cooked in oil, symbolizing the miracle. Families also play a game with a spinning top called a סביבון (Sevivon, dreidel) and exchange gifts.
While Hanukkah is not as religiously significant as some other Jewish holidays, its message of hope, resilience, and the triumph of faith over adversity resonates deeply.
The Call to Be a Light
The concept of being a light is a profound directive rooted in Jewish teachings. While the precise phrase “be the light” does not appear as a specific commandment in the תורה (Torah), the idea permeates Jewish scripture and tradition.
One of the clearest references is found in ישעיהו (Yeshayahu, Isaiah) 42:6, where G-D declares the Jewish people a “light to the nations” (אור לגויים - Or LaGoyim). This reflects the responsibility of the Jewish people to live in a way that embodies G-D’s holiness and provides spiritual and moral guidance to the world.
In בראשית (Bereshit, Genesis) 1:3, G-D creates light and sees that it is good, establishing light as a symbol of divine goodness, truth, and guidance. Similarly, משלי (Mishlei, Proverbs) 6:23 states, “For the commandment is a lamp, and the Torah is light,” emphasizing that adherence to G-D’s commandments illuminates the path of righteousness.
This call to bring light into the world extends beyond metaphor. It is a charge to action. Through the observance of מצוות (Mitzvot, commandments), acts of kindness, and moral integrity, Jews are tasked with dispelling darkness—whether it be ignorance, injustice, or immorality—and bringing G-D’s presence into the world.
Hanukkah encapsulates this mission, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, the light of faith and righteousness can prevail. The flames of the חנוכיה serve as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited (developer of MAYCOINS), SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue