Tag Archives: Hanukkah

Chanukah 2024: A Celebration of Miracles and Traditions

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This year, as snow blankets the streets of Montreal, I will celebrate Chanukah in my vibrant neighbourhood of Côte Saint-Luc. This corner of the city is home to a warm and close-knit Jewish community and my synagogue, which makes it the heart of my Chanukah experience.

The eight-day Jewish holiday of Chanukah begins on December 25 this year, coinciding with Christmas Day, a rare occurrence. This holiday offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the miracles and traditions that make it special and to consider how it compares to Christmas.

A Quick Overview of Chanukah

On December 25, Jews in Israel and worldwide will light the Chanukah celebration’s first candle, commemorating a historic victory. Chanukah marks the triumph of the Jewish people over the Greek Empire, which sought not to annihilate us but to suppress our traditions and impose Hellenistic culture. The decisive battle concluded on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. The word “Chanukah” originates from the Hebrew phrase “Hanu Kaf Heh,” meaning “they rested on the 25th.”

The wars of the Maccabees have always symbolized the victory of the weak over the strong. Chanukah also honours the miracle of the oil: a small flask of undefiled oil, which was enough to burn for only one day, miraculously lasted for eight days until a new supply could be prepared for the Menorah in the Holy Temple.

What Was the Miracle?

For centuries, rabbis have debated the question: If the oil would have lasted for one night anyway, the miracle then manifests only for seven nights. Why do we celebrate eight days rather than seven? There have been hundreds of responses to this question.

Some say that the very hunt for the oil and the refusal to use oil tainted by Pagan handling was one miracle that implied the continuity of our traditions.

Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik’s podcast offers another perspective. He describes the event as a “hinge moment” in world history. Alexander the Great sought to spread Hellenism, reshaping cultures under its influence. Without the determination of Judah the Maccabee and his family, Judaism might have faded away. Their victory preserved the faith and the concept of a singular G-d who advocates for justice and mercy. These ideas later influenced Christianity, Islam, democracy, and human rights, collectively forming the foundations of what we now know as Western Civilization.

The survival of Judaism through Judah’s leadership and battle strategies, impacted the moral framework of global civilization—a legacy explored in Rabbi Soloveitchik’s series.

The spiritual redemption emphasized by Chanukah is as significant as the physical redemption from slavery in Egypt that we celebrate during Passover, or the salvation from potential genocide in Persia commemorated during Purim and extends today to the ongoing challenges to Jewish survival in the Middle East. Currently, the spiritual revival resulting from the conflict in Israel has also materialized as soldiers, many not raised within our religious tradition, are requesting to wear tzitzit, the fringes prescribed by Jewish law. Additionally, they participate in communal prayers, even on the battlefields. Jewish congregations around the world continue to offer public prayers for the Israeli army and the release of all our hostages. This spiritual revival is just as meaningful as the remarkable physical victories of the Israeli military.

The Legacy of Victory

The spirit of resilience that defined the Maccabees is reflected in the Chanukah traditions that continue to inspire us today. Each year, I am reminded of this when I recall my childhood memories of singing “Mi Yemalel Gevurot Yisrael” at my elementary school’s Chanukah pageant. The song echoes in my mind:

“Mi Yemalel Gevurot Yisrael?”
Who will recount the mighty deeds of Israel?
“Hen b’chol dor yakum ha-gibor”
Indeed, in every generation, the hero shall arise!
“Goel ha’am”
The saviour of the nation!

The lyrics embody Chanukah’s timeless message: strength through faith and collective spirit. As we face challenges both near and far this year, the message of perseverance remains more relevant than ever. Just as the Maccabees stood firm against the oppression of Hellenism, Jewish communities today continue to stand resilient in the face of adversity.

Chanukah Traditions: Gifts, Games, and Food

The home is the primary setting for Chanukah celebrations. After sunset, we gather with loved ones to light the candles, recite the Chanukah blessings, sing songs, and partake in our cherished traditions. The menorah is placed in a window, or in Israel, outside the doorway in a glass-encased box to share the holiday’s miracles in the public square.

Foods of Chanukah

Not surprisingly, the culinary delights of Chanukah are centred around oily foods. In Israel, you’ll find a variety of fried donuts known as sufganiyot, while fried potato pancakes, or latkes, are a festive favourite outside of Israel. These dishes, cooked in oil, connect us to the miracle that the holiday commemorates.

Dreidel: A Game of Hope

The dreidel is a classic game played during Chanukah, symbolizing the reversals of fortune and the miracles that define the holiday. Each of its four sides features a Hebrew letter—נ (Nun), ג (Gimel), ה (Hei), and ש (Shin)—which together represent the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there – sham.” In Israel, the final letter changes to פ (Peh), altering the phrase to “A great miracle happened here – po.”

Gifts and Togetherness

Another cherished tradition during Chanukah is giving gelt—either money or chocolate coins—to children. This symbolizes the values of sharing and gratitude. However, the true gift of Chanukah lies in the moments spent together: lighting candles, singing traditional songs, playing games, and reflecting on the holiday’s unique message of hope and resilience.

A Season of Miracles, Gratitude, Solidarity, and Acts of Kindness

This year, as Chanukah and Christmas coincide, we are reminded of the shared values that underpin these holidays: hope, faith, and the joy of giving. Chanukah celebrates the miracle of resilience and spiritual triumph, while Christmas centers on themes of light and renewal, commemorating the miracle of the birth of Jesus. Both holidays bring families together, inspire acts of kindness, and encourage reflection on the blessings in our lives.

As I prepare to light the Menorah in my Montreal home, I feel deep gratitude for the miracles of the past and the blessings of the present. Chanukah reminds us that even in the darkest times, the flame of faith can illuminate our path forward.

The overlap of Chanukah and Christmas presents a unique opportunity to appreciate each other’s traditions. The warm glow of the Menorah and the Christmas lights adorning homes worldwide symbolize our universal longing for peace, unity, and hope. As we light the Menorah this year, let us celebrate the perseverance and commitment of the Jewish people and all peoples for physical and spiritual survival.

May this Chanukah serve as a time for reflection and action. Amid the joy of celebration, extending our hands to those in need is important. Small acts of kindness—whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply helping a neighbour—can amplify the holiday’s message of hope and shared community and improve all of our lives.

May we all find inspiration in the enduring spirit of Chanukah and Christmas during this holiday. Whether in Montreal, Jerusalem, or anywhere else you may be, I hope you will join me in celebrating the miracles, traditions, and joys that make this time so special.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays—whatever or wherever you celebrate may joy fill the world and peace reign in our hearts and across all lands.

May all wars end in peaceful coexistence and may all our hostages be returned from darkness to light, to the bosom of their families

The How of Hanukkah

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Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is always a special time for Jewish families around the world. It’s a moment to pause and celebrate the warmth of tradition and the joy of togetherness. For me, Hanukkah has always been a time of reflection and connection, a reminder of resilience and hope that brings us closer as a community.

The heart of Hanukkah is found in its simple yet profound rituals:

  • Lighting the candles: This is often done with care, such as placing the menorah in the window or by the doorpost if you’re in Israel. Each night, the candles are added individually, and as they flicker, they bring a sense of anticipation and joy.
  • Reciting blessings: Before and after lighting the candles, we say four brief but meaningful blessings, setting the tone for the evening.
  • Creating a festive atmosphere: Hanukkah is about more than just the rituals; it’s a time for games, storytelling, and delicious meals with loved ones.

One of the most magical aspects of Hanukkah is the music. As you arrange the candles, the process becomes almost rhythmic from the first night to the eighth. It’s a dance of light and melody that adds a special touch to the celebration.

After lighting the candles and reciting the Hanerot Halalu prayer, we share a heartfelt reminder with everyone. The glowing candles symbolize more than just light; they represent hope and past miracles.

“We light these candles to commemorate the miracles, deliverances, and wonders you performed for our ancestors through your holy priests. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights hold sacred significance. It is forbidden to use them for mundane purposes; rather, we gaze upon them to express gratitude for your miracles, deliverances, and wonders.”

As the timeless melody of Maoz Tsur fills the room, it’s hard not to feel uplifted and united in praise.

Then comes the best part—food! As our sages say, “No celebration is complete without sustenance to nourish body and soul.”

The latkes, with their crispy edges and golden hue, are a nod to the oil miracle, while the sufganiyot, with their sweet, gooey centers, remind us of the many blessings in our lives.

So, why not gather around a festive meal and share stories, laughter, and the joy of being together?

As our celebration draws close, the warmth of community and tradition stays with us. Let’s carry the spirit of Hanukkah in our hearts throughout the year, lighting up our lives with its warmth and brightness.

No matter how you spell it—Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hanukah, Hannukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Hanuka, Hanukka, or Chanukka—may the glow of the candles, the melody of blessings, and the taste of delicious food fill your home with happiness and peace.

Wishing you all a joyous Festival of Lights! Happy Chanukah!

How to Create Peace: Personal and Communal

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Rabbi Nir Menussi’s teachings illuminate hope for anyone searching for peace in their personal lives and communities. Through his engaging podcasts and stories, he guides us on a journey toward individual and collective harmony, drawing from the rich well of Jewish tradition. Rabbi Menussi invites us to explore Teshuvah—returning to our most authentic selves—and inspires us to reflect, improve, and pursue lasting peace with renewed hope and direction.

Hanukkah, the festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, resonates deeply with our ongoing quest for global harmony. Rabbi Menussi’s wisdom provides valuable perspectives on how we can actively work toward this noble goal.

In one enlightening podcast episode titled “Awakening Teshuvah,” Rabbi Menussi reflects on whether his Torah talks inspire listeners to make positive changes in their lives, such as deepening their commitment to their faith. He shares:

“People awaken to Teshuvah – self-improvement and spiritual growth – not when censured or rebuked, but when they are helped to recognize their sins on their own.

There is something inherently paradoxical about the awakening of Teshuvah. On the one hand, it must start from within. On the other hand, only the chick knows when to break out of its egg. If someone tries to hatch the egg prematurely, its growth can be ruined. This is what criticism and rebuke often do: they make a person shrink back, thereby hindering their development. Because Teshuvah entails the unpleasant realization that we’re not living optimally, we react with defense mechanisms. These can manifest as either self-justification or self-flagellation. In either case, the result is the same: we further entrench ourselves in our everyday lifestyle and don’t change.”

This paradox reveals a crucial lesson: motivating someone toward Teshuvah is a delicate art. The story of Tamar and Judah in this week’s Torah portion from Genesis 38 illustrates this well. Tamar, having been widowed twice, disguises herself to seduce Judah, who later unknowingly leaves his belongings behind. When Tamar becomes pregnant, Judah initially condemns her but later confesses his wrongdoings when confronted with his belongings. Tamar’s wisdom leads to Judah’s repentance and the birth of twins who become ancestors of King David and the Messiah.

The Path of Self-Improvement

Our journey toward Teshuvah—a path of self-improvement and spiritual growth—begins not with criticism but with understanding. Those who guide us must also work on improving themselves. Adverse treatment hinders progress, but sincere and empathetic guidance can inspire genuine change.

In another podcast, “The Secrets of Jewish Progress,” Rabbi Menussi explores social change through the example of Jacob and Esau. After two decades of rivalry, their reunion offers insights into Western culture intertwined with Jewish tradition. He reflects:

“The king is dead; long live the king!”

This familiar phrase, often heard at the coronation of a new ruler, might seem paradoxical at first. It highlights a significant change in leadership, shifting focus from the old to the new. This tradition mirrors a profound aspect of Western culture—the tendency to erase the past and start anew, which contrasts with Judaic principles.

The Torah describes a series of Edomite kings who ruled before Israel had its king. This repetition symbolizes a recurring pattern in Western civilization, where each revolution attempts to dismantle previous systems and establish a new order.

From Revolutions to Reckonings

History shows a pattern of revolutions replacing old regimes with new ones, each seemingly representing the peak of progress. From ancient Greece and Rome to the French Revolution and beyond, each upheaval has sought to redefine society, only to be replaced by the next wave of change.

Today, we face the consequences of recent revolutions:

  • The rapid adoption of smartphones has led to increased screen time for children and remedies like YouTube Kids.
  • The impact of the sexual revolution on traditional values has resulted in challenges such as early exposure to pornography and discussions about gender identity.

These examples highlight the evolving landscape of our society and the challenges we face as we navigate the aftermath of past revolutions.

My Own Slow Pace

Esau’s story illustrates a recurring pattern of impulsiveness and regret. He once dismissed his birthright for a bowl of stew and later felt deceived. His unpredictable behaviour contrasts with Jacob’s cautious approach. Jacob is dedicated to making slow and careful progress, highlighting the importance of taking a measured approach to change.

“I will move at my own slow pace.” Jacob’s commitment to eschew impulsivity is unwavering, despite sharing similar aspirations with his brother Esau, who has an inclination towards the allure of immediate gratification. Fear of neglecting critical considerations drives Jacob’s cautious approach as he navigates the pursuit of his ambitions. Two distinct factors contribute to Jacob’s deliberate strategy: “According to the pace of the work that is before me” and “According to the pace of the children.”

This cautious approach to progress is a hallmark of Jewish thought. We accept the past but carry its lessons into the future, balancing tradition with innovation. We move step by step, integrating new insights while responding to contemporary needs.

As the Sages say, “The innovator has the lower hand.” This suggests that those challenging the status quo must first embrace and elevate the existing structure. By integrating past wisdom with new ideas, innovators connect with history and carry its richness into the future.

Footnotes

  1. Caschetta, A.J. “Lessons from London: You Can’t Fix Jihad.” The Hill, 26 Feb. 2020, www.thehill.com/opinion/international/484020-lessons-from-london-you-cant-fix-jihad.
  2. Menussi, Nir. Awakening Teshuvah. Podcast, www.examplepodcasturl.com/awakening-teshuvah.
  3. Menussi, Nir. The Secrets of Jewish Progress. Podcast, www.examplepodcasturl.com/secrets-of-jewish-progress.

The Hidden Hanukkah

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Many cherish Hanukkah, a holiday filled with the comforting smell of latkes, the lively clatter of dreidel games, and the warm, inviting glow of the menorah. While the story of the Maccabees’ brave revolt against the Greeks is well-known, a lesser-known chapter in Hanukkah’s history adds a profound layer of meaning to this beloved holiday.

A Meeting of Legends: A Glimpse into the Past

In the ancient city of Jerusalem, as dawn’s first light softly embraced the city, an extraordinary encounter unfolded. Alexander the Great’s formidable army approached the city gates, but instead of a confrontation, something remarkable happened. The High Priest, adorned in resplendent garments that shimmered in the early morning light, led a procession of priests through Jerusalem’s narrow, winding streets. Holding torches aloft, their faces reflected a blend of solemnity and hope. To everyone’s astonishment, Alexander dismounted his chariot and bowed before the High Priest—a gesture of respect that would become one of the most captivating episodes in Jerusalem’s rich tapestry of history.

The Maccabees: Who Were They?

To truly appreciate Hanukkah, it’s essential to delve into the story of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels who lived during the 2nd century BCE. Led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, who hailed from a priestly family in Judea (modern-day Israel), the Maccabees were fierce defenders of their faith and heritage. Their name, “Maccabee,” is believed to derive from the Hebrew word for “hammer,” symbolizing their strength and resilience. They led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire, a Greek dynasty that ruled much of the Near East, including Judea.

175 BCE: Strife, Division, and Triumph

Fast forward to 175 BCE, a period marked by intense strife and division among the Greeks. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the ruler of the northern Greek faction, launched an invasion of Judea. His actions, heavily influenced by the Hellenizing Jewish faction in Jerusalem, plunged the region into turmoil. As the historian Flavius Josephus records:

“The king being there to disposed, complied with them, and came upon the Jews with a great army, and took their city by force, and slew a great multitude of those that favored Ptolemy, and sent out his soldiers to plunder them without mercy; he also spoiled the temple, and put a stop to the constant practice of offering a daily sacrifice of expiation for three years and six months.” ¹

This Hellenizing faction embraced Greek culture and ideas, causing deep divisions within the Jewish community. They supported the imposition of Greek customs in Jerusalem and transformed the Temple into a center for Greek worship. This cultural and religious erosion threatened the very essence of Jewish identity and faith, setting the stage for the Maccabees’ revolt—a struggle to preserve Jewish practices and beliefs.

The Maccabees’ Resistance: A Struggle for Identity

Amidst the darkness of these times, the Maccabees’ bravery shone brightly. Their miraculous victory over the Seleucid Empire was a triumph of military might and a testament to divine intervention and unwavering faith. The Maccabees fought to restore Jewish religious practices that had been outlawed and to cleanse and rededicate the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This rededication is at the heart of Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates physical and spiritual victories.

The Heart of Hanukkah: Celebrating Miracles with ‘Al Hanissim’

One of the most cherished aspects of Hanukkah is the singing of “Al Hanissim” after lighting the menorah. This song, far more than just a festive tune, captures the essence of the holiday. It celebrates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees, attributing their success to divine intervention rather than mere military prowess.

“You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the insolent into the hands of those who engage in Your Torah.” ²

This beautiful prayer reflects on the rededication of the Temple and the revival of the Jewish faith, reminding us of the strength, courage, and devotion that define our heritage.

From Hellenistic Culture to Jewish Resilience: The Lasting Impact

Even in the wake of their victory, the influence of Hellenistic culture did not vanish overnight. A century later, the Romans—heirs to Greek traditions—came to control Judea after King Herod’s death. The destruction of the Grand Temple in 70 AD marked the beginning of a long and painful period of Jewish exile. Some rabbis even debated whether Hanukkah should continue to be observed after this tragic event. Yet, voices like that of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks argued for preserving the holiday, viewing it as a symbol of resilience and hope:

“Hanukkah is not just a celebration of a past victory but a reminder of the enduring power of hope and faith.” ³

A Light for Future Generations

Hanukkah is more than a celebration of past victories; it’s a testament to the enduring strength and faith of the Jewish people. It’s about keeping the light of hope alive for future generations, no matter the challenges we face.

As you light the menorah this Hanukkah, take a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of those who came before us. Let their courage inspire you to bring light into your life and share that with others. How will you keep the spirit of Hanukkah alive in your daily life?

To capture the spirit of Hanukkah, this acapella video beautifully encapsulates the uplifting message of the holiday.

FOOTNOTES:

  1. Josephus, Flavius. The Antiquities of the Jews. Translated by William Whiston, Project Gutenberg, 2008, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2848.
  2. “Al Hanissim.” Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/371618/jewish/Al-Hanissim.htm.
  3. “The Hidden Story of Chanukah.” Keynote address by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, Bushey Synagogue, 20 Oct. 2012. Bushey Synagogue, www.busheysynagogue.org.uk/video/hidden-story-chanukah.