Women are commanded to light the Hanukkah candles, although it is a commandment dependent only a particular time (from which women were exempted in traditional Judaism). The reason is that women, too, were included in the miracle (Talmud, Shabbat 23a). Jewish tradition did not usually give women equal space and were not involved on an equal footing in leading religious ceremonies. But at Hanukkah a woman was permitted to light the candles, and was required to observe the lighting – because she, too, was included in the miracle. We light the light of women for all the heroines, seen and unseen, who have done so much for humanity and for themselves. May their strength spread, cast light, and reach more corners of Jewish tradition – gently and without conflict, for after all we are all part of the same miracle and the same culture.
Eid al-Banat
Not many people are familiar with a beautiful tradition in the Jewish communities of North Africa – the Festival of the Daughters (Eid al-Banat). The festival is marked on the seventh candle of Hanukkah – the first day of the month of Tevet. It has been suggested that the festival was introduced in the time of the Hasmoneans, which the Sages also identify as the time of the story of Judith. Accordingly, it is fitting that the Jews sanctify the day and make it a celebration for girls and women.
The Eid al-Banat celebration takes place as we light the seventh candle, and has been observed in many communities – Tunisia and Jerba, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, Salonica, and so forth. Women – from young girls to the elderly – gather for a celebration in which they study, dance, sing, and give gifts to each other. Some women would ask each other for forgiveness, as on Yom Kippur. Some celebrated all the girls who had reached Bat Mitzvah age, after which the women went up and kissed the Torah scroll.
“The festival cherishes female strength: the heroism, wisdom, and solidarity of women throughout the generations. The festival has its origins in the Book of Ezra, marking the resumption of Jewish marriages, and from the Scroll of Esther – the day when Esther was brought before King Ahasuerus and enthroned in Vashti’s place. The festival also commemorates the heroism and wisdom of two other heroines: Judith, who used her beauty to overcome the general Holofernes, decapitating him and thereby saving the people of Judah; and Hanna, daughter of Matityahu, who inspired her Hasmonean brothers to launch their revolt against the Greeks.”
(Heli Tabibi Barkat, “Haluz ha-Ivri” website)
“Mi Shebeirach” for Eid al-Banat
May God who blessed Sarah in her old age
Bless us with the capacity for renewal at any age.
May God who blessed Rebeccah with a voice that was heard
Bless us with surroundings attentive to our wishes.
May God who blessed Leah with fertility
Bless us with fruitful labors.
May God who blessed Rachel with love
Bless us with the ability to love ourselves.
May God who blessed Judith with resourcefulness and leadership
Bless us with courage and the capacity to overcome obstacles.
Supreme Being – bless us with the joy of being
Spring of Life – bless us with a stream of wisdom and knowledge
Divine Presence – be present among us and spread love, fellowship, peace, and friendship between me and the women of my family, community, and people, and among all women in the world.
Rabbi Gili Tzidkiyahu