Many Shades of Light

The multiple meanings of Hanukkah

Many Shades of Light

Hanukkah is a festival of aggregation – every day we add another candle and see more light in our Hanukkiyah. But the brings not only multiple candles, but also multiple meanings. Many religions celebrate a festival of light close to the shortest day of the year. In Judaism, the celebration is associated with the purification of the Temple and the light of the Menorah. In the Diaspora, Hanukkah became the festival of miracles, whereas Zionism emphasized the heroism of the Maccabees and the victory of the few over the many. In North Africa, Hanukkah traditionally included the ”Festival of the Daughters,” which is being revived today. Some people connect Hanukkah to the theme of universal light and International Human Rights Day, which falls around the same time. Different lights shine for different people. We invite you to browse our site, discover with us the diverse hues of the Hanukkah lights, and find your own special light. Happy Hanukkah!

Lighting the Chanukah candles Calling for the release of hostages, 5785

by Rabbi Oded Mazor

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