Hanukkah: A Celebration of LightSample

Celebrating Hanukkah Today

The main practice during the celebration of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah. In some families, one person represents the entire household and lights one menorah on everyone’s behalf. In other families, each family member lights his or her own menorah. Either way, it is best to light the menorah in the presence of other people, as this helps us fulfill our duty to make public the miracle of Hanukkah.

Consequently, the candle lighting must take place after nightfall when it is dark outside, yet we must kindle the lights early enough in the evening when people who are still out may see the light. We try to place the menorah in a spot where it can be seen from the house – either in front of a window or outside the home. While we are used to seeing more modern-day, pretty-colored candles alight in a menorah, it is more ideal to use oil for lighting the candles as it more accurately represents the miracle of the Hanukkah oil.

We begin the first night by lighting one candle and adding one each subsequent night for the eight days of Hanukkah. It’s important that the candles are evenly spaced apart and about the same height so one can easily tell how many candles are lit instead of confusing the menorah for one big torch.

Each night, in addition to the Hanukkah candles, there is an extra candle called the shamash, which means “helper.” Since the Hanukkah candles are considered holy, they aren’t allowed to be used for any other purpose, like a reading light or lighting another candle. The shamash is used to light the candles instead. The Hanukkah candles are designated exclusively for spiritual introspection and inspiration.

Before the candlelighting, we offer several blessings, thanking God for His miracles. After lighting the candles, we sing songs with similar themes.

Other Hanukkah customs include eating foods fried in oil, such as potato latkes (potato pancakes) and special jelly-filled donuts called sufganiyah. This recalls the oil from the Hanukkah story. It is also traditional to play with a spinning top called a dreidel. This custom is derived from the time of Greek oppression when studying the Torah was strictly forbidden. Jewish children would keep spinning tops at their side while they studied the Torah, so if any Greeks happened to come by, the children would pretend that they were playing games and not studying God’s Word.

Finally, there is a custom of giving Hanukkah gelt, or money, to children. This is to teach them that there is a reward for studying the Bible—even in difficult situations. Today, we often give chocolate coins or gifts instead, but the underlying lesson that Torah study is a worthwhile pursuit remains the same.

Think About It

1. Darkness is simply the absence of light. It’s impossible to add darkness; it is only possible to decrease the light. What does this teach us about making our lives better? What about making the world a better place for all?
2. How might you add more “light” into your life? How might you help dispel darkness in your community?
3. The Hanukkah story is all about beating the odds. Think of a time in your life when you succeeded despite the odds against you. In what ways did God help you overcome your circumstances?
4. What does it mean that “the LORD will be my light” (Micah 7:8)? How is God a light to you in your life, especially in times of darkness?
5. The Maccabees have come to symbolize those who stand up for what’s right even when it is difficult and unpopular. In what ways have you been called to be a “Maccabee” in your life? What person/people do you know who exemplifies the ideals of the Maccabees?
6. The battle between the Greeks and the Jews can be simplified as the battle between valuing the superficial exterior elements of life versus the unseen inner life. How does that battle continue to play out even today, both in our personal lives and our society?

Apply It

1. Light one candle in a darkened room. Spend some time gazing at the flame, contemplating its message from the Hanukkah story, and connecting with God.
2. Add light to the world. Brighten someone’s day with a gift, a smile, a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a random act of kindness.
3. What challenge are you facing right now that seems insurmountable? Remember how God helped the Maccabees. Pray to Him, trust in Him, and expect miracles.
4. Think of a time when God has helped you or someone you know overcome insurmountable odds. Share that story with others. By doing so, we encourage others and reignite hope.
5. Be a Maccabee this week! Think of a situation — whether at work, home, school, or your neighborhood — where you can speak out and act for what is right, even when most people disagree.
6. Examine your life to see if there is any part of your daily habits in which you are tempted — like the Hellenists —to set aside your faith and conform to the prevailing attitudes of the day.

Learn more about the Festival of Lights that Jesus celebrated by downloading our Bible study, “What Is Hanukkah?”