Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish celebration that remembers faith, resilience, and the victory of light over darkness. It is marked by lighting candles, prayers, songs, and family gatherings, and it carries a strong message of hope, especially during difficult times.
This year, Hanukkah is being observed from the evening of December 14 to the night of December 22. The festival comes at a painful moment for Jewish communities after a deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, where people had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. The timing of the attack shocked many and highlighted the deep meaning of the festival.
Hanukkah dates back more than 2,000 years to a time when Jewish religious practices were banned under the rule of the Seleucid Greek Empire. The Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and Jewish identity was under threat. A small group of Jewish fighters called the Maccabees rose up against the powerful army. Against all odds, they reclaimed Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple.
According to Jewish tradition, when they tried to relight the Temple’s menorah, they found only enough pure oil to last one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, giving time to prepare more oil. This miracle is the reason Hanukkah lasts eight nights.
The main symbol of Hanukkah is the chanukiah, a special nine-branched candle holder. One candle is lit on the first night, and an additional candle is added each night until all eight are lit. The ninth candle, called the shamash, is used to light the others. The candles are often placed near windows or doors to share the light publicly.
Hanukkah celebrations include lighting candles each night, saying blessings, singing traditional songs, sharing meals, playing games, giving gifts, and spending time with family and community. While the customs may differ across countries and cultures, the central meaning remains the same.
Although Hanukkah is considered a minor festival in Jewish law, it has become one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays worldwide. Its message is simple but powerful: even a small light can push away great darkness.
As people remember the victims of violence and reflect on recent tragedies, Hanukkah reminds the world of the importance of standing for faith, peace, and humanity, and of keeping hope alive, no matter how difficult the times may be.
