Hanukkah in Jerusalem

Hanukkah is a unique and sweet time of year that stands in stark contrast to the barbaric persecution at the hands of Antiochus that marked some of the darkest pages of Jewish history.

It is that time of year when the days grow significantly shorter and the sun sets around 4:40 PM. Jerusalem is usually rainy, cold, and often windy. Stone buildings with little insulation can feel even colder inside than out. Naturally, darkness and dampness surround us. Yet that is precisely when the light and warmth of candle flames serve as tangible reminders of the enduring power of light.

The darker the days become, a few seemingly simple acts remind us that darkness did not conquer, even when hope seemed lost. Now, some 2,100 years later, we still watch the light grow by adding one more candle each day.

Growing up in Israel, every child is raised on Hanukkah songs. They sing "Banu choshech legaresh" (“We came to drive away the darkness”) while holding flashlights and colorful crafts made over the preceding weeks.

Perhaps the most touching moment is hearing the children’s voices sing, “Everyone is a small light, but together we are a strong light.” It serves as a gentle reminder to all, big and small, of the power of unity. We each carry a light within, yet together we shine even brighter. Yes, even when we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is what it is all about: shining brightly and shining together.

As part of the Jewish people, Yeshua also celebrated "the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem." (John 10:22) Yeshua Himself is "the light of the world," and we are reminded that we are created in His image and called to be His light too. Not just to know it, but to be filled with it until it overflows. Similarly, Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." And why? "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

It is a wonderful experience to walk the streets of Jerusalem and see a variety of ‘Hanukkiot’ decorating windowsills, displaying colorful candles topped with dancing flames. Some ‘Hanukkiot’ are made of glass and hang right beside the front door, where families gather each Hanukkah night to light candles and sing. Witnessing such warmth invites us to pause, inspiring us to spread light, too.

Of course, every holiday comes with its own traditional foods, and Hanukkah brings delicious fried treats, recalling the miracle of the jar of oil that lasted for eight days instead of one.

At our congregation, we love decorating plain and strawberry-jam sufganiyot with colorful candies. The beauty of these traditions is how they connect Hanukkah with sweetness, making it a meaningful way to pass the memory of light’s victory to the next generation while bringing joy to our own hearts.

We also set up a craft table where we build Hanukkiot with colorful mosaic tiles or design bookmarks with uplifting words, adding a spark of light for the days we need a reminder of hope. In past years, we have put on plays and shared short, heartfelt teachings. It is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting traditions and express creativity. That way we build a shared experience of joy and light that resonates across generations. We open our doors and hearts and welcome whoever wishes to celebrate with us, never knowing whose heart might be encouraged during the darker days of the year.

Hanukkah is so much more than a history lesson. It is a powerful reminder that when all is dark around us and hope seems lost, we can walk our life's journey with the Light of the World.

Walking the streets of Jerusalem and experiencing Hanukkah here in this special land is truly unique. It is an experience that lingers long after, lighting up your home and heart in ways words cannot fully describe.