As the first candle of the menorah is lit on Sunday night, Jewish communities are poised to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. This beloved holiday, known for its vibrant celebrations, is surprisingly considered a minor observance within the Jewish faith.
Rabbi Daniel Swartz from Temple Hesed in Scranton shared insights into Hanukkah’s dynamic nature, highlighting its varied significance across generations and cultures. “Hanukkah is really interesting, in part because it has been used differently in really almost every generation that celebrates it,” he noted.
Although not commanded by the Torah like Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history: the Maccabees’ triumph over the Greek Assyrian Empire and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple.
This holiday’s adaptability is reflected in its diverse retellings, as shared by various community and religious leaders. Below, you’ll find an exploration of Hanukkah’s history and details on regional events celebrating “the oil that lasted eight nights.”
Understanding Hanukkah’s Historical Roots
Rabbi Swartz explained the origins of Hanukkah, recounting how the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish priests, resisted the Greek Assyrian Empire to reclaim their sacred temple in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Benny Rapoport of the Chabad of the Abingtons described Hanukkah as a testament to Jewish resilience in tough times. He said, “Hanukkah is … our story [of] where we … overcome the darkness in our life, to be able to light that little flame. And interestingly enough, it’s always the little flame, the small candle, that’s able to cast so much light and dispel so much darkness.”
The miracle of the oil, which lasted eight days instead of one, serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Rabbi Rapoport emphasized the importance of positivity and community spirit in overcoming challenges. “That’s Judaism’s … critical message, not just to Jews, but to all people, that all we have to do is find a little bit of goodness in ourselves, in the people around us … to be able to cast that light, to make such a huge difference in the in the world around us,” he added.
Rabbi Laurie Green from Temple B’nai B’rith explained that the story of Hanukkah was documented in the Talmud, a book of rabbinical discussions, several centuries after the Torah was written. She noted the holiday’s varied interpretations: in the U.S., it symbolizes religious freedom, whereas in Israel, it is linked to historical military achievements.
Rabbi Larry Kaplan of Temple Israel suggested that the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah might have originally been a substitute for Sukkot, an autumn harvest festival. He explained that the story of the enduring oil likely emerged to underscore divine support in the Maccabees’ victory. “If they had to transfer the celebration to Hanukkah time, then okay, they’re going to do it eight days. But the rabbis in the Talmud … [also wanted to] not so much emphasize the military victory. They wanted to emphasize God’s help in that military victory,” he said.
Despite differing narratives, the essence of Hanukkah remains a unifying force within the Jewish community and beyond. Rabbi Swartz emphasized Hanukkah as a period of connection and reflection, urging individuals to embrace understanding and resist the world’s darkness with acts of kindness.
Local Hanukkah Celebrations
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah with various events for all ages in the region.
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
DEC. 13 – Children’s candy dreidel-making at Temple Israel, Wilkes-Barre: On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., children can create edible dreidels and centerpieces for the upcoming Hanukkah dinner at the Friedman Jewish Community Center.
DEC. 14 – Pre-Hanukkah party at Temple Hesed, Scranton: Families can make candles, fry sufganiyot, and learn blessings. RSVP for the event on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
DEC. 19 – Hanukkah Celebration at Temple Hesed: Join a potluck dinner and latke cook-off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. RSVP for the dinner. The family service begins at 7 p.m., no RSVP needed.
DEC. 21 – Family-friendly Mayrutz Run and community dinner at the Friedman JCC, Kingston: Partake in the 55th community run and menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. RSVP required for the dinner.
FOR ADULTS
DEC. 16 – A Journey from Darkness to Light with Judith Raanan: Hear Judith Raanan’s survival story from Gaza at the Jewish Discovery Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. RSVP and more information.
DEC. 18 – Queer Torah Study for Everybody: Participate in Temple B’nai B’rith’s first Queer Torah Study on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP here.
DEC. 21 – Young Adult Hanukkah Party: Celebrate with the Chabad of the Abingtons on Dec. 21. Enjoy latkes, donuts, and sushi. RSVP and more information.
