By Rabbi Ellie Miller, Temple B’nai Or in Morristown
The celebration of Chanukah comes at the darkest time of the calendar year. The holiday of Chanukah and the traditions that accompany it can help to provide us with light and levity during these dark days.
Chanukah is a celebration of a military victory, of freedom, of miracles and of course a celebration of light. The small but brave Maccabees fought the mighty Greek Asyrians and won.
The ancient Temple in Jerusalem was all but destroyed and the Eternal light that was supposed to remain lit at all times, as a reminder of God’s presence, had only enough oil to last one night. It was going to take eight nights to get more.
A miracle occurred and the oil lasted the entire eight nights. The Jewish people fought for the freedom to practice Judaism openly and freely. Once again good prevailed over evil, light prevailed over darkness.
To celebrate Chanukah we light the Chanukiah, one candle for each night. We eat sufganiot (similar to jelly donuts) and latkas (potato pancakes) as a way to celebrate the miracle of the oil. We also play the driedel (spinning top) game. It is a happy and joyous festival.
During Chanukah the mitzvah, the commandment, is not to actually light the Chanukah candles. The mitzvah is to see the lit candles burning. That is why people place their menorahs or chanukiot in the windows. Doing so gives others a chance to fulfill the mitzvah.
The glow of the candles, the smell of the latkes cooking, the delicious taste of sufganiot, the laughter of children playing dreidel all add to a levity and brightness at this dark time of year.
In the United States, Chanukah is a gift giving holiday, but in Israel it is customary to give children small amounts of money also known as gelt. One impactful way to celebrate Chanukah is to work in a soup kitchen or food pantry, purchase gifts for people in need or giving tzedakah (monetary donations).
These are just a few ways to help people in our community who may feel enslaved by poverty to regain a sense of light and hope.
I am glad that Chanukah has arrived. I think we can all use a little light and hope at this very time this year.
