Find meaning and inspiration during this Hanukkah season.
Hanukkah 2021 seems to have come quickly this year. With its start at sundown on Sunday, November 28, Jews all over the world will be displaying menorahs in their houses and lighting a candle for each night of the holiday. The 8 night celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights, is not only one of the most beloved Jewish holidays of the year, but also one packed with beautiful, meaningful messages.
A Time for Dedication
The word “Hanukkah” literally means dedication. This Jewish holiday is centered around the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple as the Maccabees overcame their oppressors. Its that kind of dedication that Jews hold close to their heart during Hanukkah.
If there is a Will, there is a Way
The Second Temple required a light to be continuously burning, but the Jews only had enough oil to keep it burning 1 night. That 1 night eventually turned to 8. Even when it wasn’t supposed to, the oil kept burning. It’s that miracle of light that is celebrated during Hanukkah, and some may find deep inspiration in the fact that no matter what, the light kept burning.
Historical Traditions Meet Modern Times
Some favorite traditional foods that are cooked for Hanukkah celebrations are cooked in oil on purpose. Seasonal foods like latkes are fried to signify the importance of oil to this Jewish holiday. I think it’s always beautiful when modern cuisine continues to thrive based on its historical roots.
Hanukkah may not be the most important religious holiday in Judaism, but it is definitely one that is celebrated with tons of excitement and enthusiasm. Jews all around the world share in the tradition of lighting the menorah each night, which is something that I wanted to incorporate into my novel, Home in a Hundred Places. Even as a minority group in Haiti and Egypt, the Blanco family in the story made sure to celebrate their beloved Jewish holidays and traditions, including lighting the menorah, wherever they happened to live.
