The evening of Dec. 7 marks the start of the Jewish observance of Hanukkah, an eight-day “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of “light over darkness, of goodness over evil.”
This year, that victory carries special significance, shared a local rabbi, who said the ongoing war in Israel and reported rise in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. is an ideal time to embrace the true meaning of Hanukkah.
“There’s a lot of darkness going [right now] and the message of Hanukkah is that the light of the menorah should illuminate the world with tolerance, goodness and kindness,” said Rabbi Nachman Abend of the Chabad Center of North Hollywood, an Orthodox Jewish community center and synagogue that is located in Sherman Oaks. “That is the story and miracle of Hanukkah.”
As the deadly war between Israel and Hamas rages on, the current death toll has reached more than 17,000, including innocent civilians – more than 16,000 of which are Palestinians – as well as journalists and aid workers.
“When innocent people get killed, especially women and children, it’s always heartbreaking – it doesn’t make a difference who they are,” Abend told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol.
In a display of Jewish unity and solidarity with those affected by the war, the Chabad Center will be hosting its first-ever “Valley Shabbat 1,000,” an outdoor community dinner event being held outside the front doors of the center beginning at 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. The gathering – on Chandler Boulevard near Ethel Avenue, which will be closed to traffic – will coincide with the eighth and final day of Hanukkah and the weekly Friday evening Jewish tradition of Shabbat dinner.
“This is the first year we’re doing this and we’re kicking it off in honor of everything that’s happening – the war in Israel, the hostages – and we’re praying that everybody will make it back home safely,” explained Abend, who said the outdoor community dinner is open to all.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah (or Chanukah, the traditional spelling of the holiday) is an ancient Jewish tradition dating back to the second century when the Maccabees successfully revolted against the more powerful Seleucid Empire, which was trying to eradicate Judaism. After the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they only had a one-day supply of oil for the temple’s menorah, a multi-branched candelabra, which miraculously lasted for eight days.
Centuries later, the nightly lighting of eight candles on the menorah – which has a ninth “helper candle” that is used to light the other candles – remains a key tradition of Hanukkah, as it was first done as a rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah also includes eight nights of traditional Jewish prayers, singing, special foods and gift-giving.
“The holiday of Hanukkah is about [our] history and [remembering] how the ancient Greeks tried to eradicate our spirituality and all of Judaism, and the idea Jewish people stood up and defended, ultimately, not only their lives but also the freedom of religion,” said Abend. “That’s really what the holiday of Hanukkah is all about.”
Abend said he believes that the celebration of triumph over oppression is about celebrating positivity, and can be embraced throughout the entire year, by believers and nonbelievers alike.
“The miracle of Hanukkah is something [to celebrate] and share with the whole world,” he said. “It has great significance, obviously, for the Jewish people, but it also has great significance for the world. It’s a festival of lights, and what light has to offer is always about positivity.”
For those learning about Hanukkah – and as a reminder to fellow Jewish friends and community members – Abend shared what he believes to be the core message at the heart of Hanukkah:
“If you have something good and positive, don’t just keep it for yourself – share it with somebody else,” he said. “Share the light.”
For more information about the Valley Shabbat 1,000 outdoor community dinner, go to: www.valleyshabbat.com.
To report an antisemitic hate crime or incident, go to www.adl.org/report-incident. To report anti-Arab discrimination, contact the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee at www.adc.org/legal-policy/get-assistance.
To report any hate crime or incident (in more than 200 languages), call the California vs Hate hotline at 1-833-8-NO-HATE or go to www.cavshate.org.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
Very glad to see this homage to Hanukkah! It’s a lovely celebration, steeped in meaning and symbols of hope under oppression.
Never let haters ruin its meaning, its roots, or slur its people.