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Chanukah—the eight-day festival of light—celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of the pursuit of peace over violence, of spirituality over materiality.Over twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian-Greeks, who sought to instill their practices on the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of Jews known as the Macabees defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicating it to the service of God.
The word Chanukah means “rededication” and now, each of us experiences the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to Jewish tradition and practice.
Click here to read and listen to the candle lighting blessings for Chanukah.
Oil played a significant role in the Chanukah story—the small jug of oil that miraculously provided fuel for the Temple Menorah for eight days. It is a Jewish tradition to eat foods that reflect the significance of a holiday, such as matzah on Passover, and apple dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah, and Chanukah is no exception.
This year, your clergy, faculty and staff are sending you a Pocket Guide to Chanukah—Chanukah to go! Click here to download.
