Illuminating Hanukkah

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President

It’s the beginning of December, and it’s hard to ignore the overwhelming focus on Christmas here in the United States. From the dazzling light displays on neighboring houses to the jolly inflatables of Santa, the ubiquitous red and green decorations, and the incessant carols transforming into unavoidable earworms at every shopping mall, it is nearly impossible to escape it. What’s more, the commercial landscape is increasingly adorned with endeavors to assimilate Hanukkah into the Christmas narrative – blue and white lights on a Hanukkah bush, gingerbread Hanukkiyot kits, the substitution of Secret Santas for Mysterious Maccabees, and the Jewish Elf on the Shelf, endearingly named Mensch on the Bench, because nothing says Jewish holiday spirit quite like a miniature bearded man spying on your children. As I step outside, the reminder is stark – I live in a predominantly Christian country. Yet, my heart and mind remain steadfastly focused on Israel.

A friend once asked how the modest Hanukkah candles at home could compete with all the decorations in the outside world. My response was unequivocal – they don’t have to. Hanukkah, a distinctively different and religiously minor holiday, holds profound significance. After candle-lighting, we traditionally sing “Haneirot Halalu/We Kindle These Lights,” emphasizing the remembrance of divine acts, miracles, and wonders. It’s as if the glow of the Hanukkiah possesses the power to forge a connection with ancestors who lived through and directly benefited from these miracles. We align ourselves with heroes of a bygone era who defiantly chose not to assimilate but to proudly be themselves. This year, in our home, we will acknowledge those fighting in Israel once again for our freedom and for the right to exist. In lighting the candles, we also traverse the generations of Jews who, even in arduous circumstances, have faithfully lit candles each year, and we reconnect with our own past – years of celebrating Hanukkah with my own family. 

Curious about the lasting impact of these traditions, I queried my adult children about their Hanukkah memories. Their recollections paint a picture of cherished moments – latke-making marathons with their grandmother, readings of perennial favorites like “Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins,” spirited dreidel games for chocolate gelt, the traditional photo in front of the Hanukkiyot, and off-key singing of Hanukkah songs to tapes and CDs. Surprisingly, one memory stood out – the annual dedication of one night of Hanukkah to helping others. As a family, we would sit down, choose a charity to support, or volunteer for a local nonprofit. Strikingly absent from their recollections were mentions of material gifts – a testament to the enduring impact of the spirit of giving.

Hanukkah imparts valuable lessons, notably that hope and faith can empower even the seemingly weak and few. Lavish displays are unnecessary; we begin by lighting one candle. Hanukkah, meaning dedication in Hebrew, serves as a reminder to rededicate ourselves to upholding the flame of Judaism, preserving Jewish culture and its traditions for future generations. In a world shrouded in both literal and figurative darkness, the adage “A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness” rings especially true. Despite the challenges of the past two months, our collective efforts, donations to causes in Israel, and the resilience of the Israeli people volunteering to address the aftermath of war, have kindled a brighter flame to “dispel the darkness.”

I reflected on this as I returned Tuesday from the Conservative/Masorti Convening in Baltimore, Maryland, after spending four days with Jews from across North America. Despite gloomy predictions, the flame of the Conservative/Masorti Movement burns brightly, giving us much cause for hope in these dark times.

May this holiday season bring not only an abundance of light, joy, and cherished memories but also a renewed sense of hope.

Happy Hanukkah and Shabbat Shalom!

Julia Loeb
WLCJ International President
jloeb@wlcj.org