By: Jewel Dickerman
As winter nights grow longer, Jewish families around the world begin to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights—an eight-day holiday filled with warmth, joy, and tradition. This year, Hanukkah brings together ancient history and modern celebrations, reminding people of the power of hope and perseverance.
Hanukkah commemorates a miracle that took place more than 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. After reclaiming the Holy Temple from the Greeks, a small group of Jewish fighters known as the Maccabees found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight full days—long enough to prepare more.
Today, families celebrate by lighting the menorah, adding one candle each night until all eight glow brightly. Traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are fried in oil to honor the miracle. Children spin colorful dreidels; a classic Hanukkah game marked with Hebrew letters that stand for “A great miracle happened there.”
Did you know that over 17 million donuts are eaten in Israel during Hanukkah each year? Or that the world’s largest menorah, standing 32 feet tall, lights up in New York City every holiday season?
Beyond the delicious treats and glowing candles, Hanukkah’s message is still timeless: even in dark times, a small light can shine brightly enough to inspire hope for all.
