Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, isn’t just a story of ancient miracles – it’s a tale of resilience, adaptation, and a surprising Cincinnati connection. This eight-day celebration, typically falling in late November or December, marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, but its modern form is more complex than many realize.
The origins trace back to the 2nd century BCE, to a time when Jewish people were forbidden to practice their faith. A small band of Maccabees rose up against the powerful Seleucid Empire, ultimately reclaiming and rededicating the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle, as legend tells it, involved a single night’s worth of oil miraculously lasting for eight, illuminating the Temple and symbolizing unwavering faith.
But the Hanukkah we know today wasn’t always so widely celebrated. For centuries, it remained a relatively minor holiday. That all changed in the late 19th century, thanks to two visionary rabbis in Cincinnati, Ohio: Isaac M. Wise and Max Lilienthal. They saw an opportunity to strengthen Jewish identity in America, particularly for children.
Wise and Lilienthal deliberately crafted a Hanukkah that resonated with American culture. Recognizing the growing popularity of Christmas, they sought to create a similar family-focused celebration, filled with light, gifts, and joyful traditions. They weren’t simply copying; they were adapting, infusing the holiday with a uniquely Jewish spirit and historical significance.
Central to Hanukkah is the lighting of candles. However, most people actually light a “hanukkiah,” not a traditional menorah. A menorah holds seven candles, while a hanukkiah has nine – eight for the nights of Hanukkah, and one “helper” candle used to light the others. Each night, another candle is lit, commemorating the miracle of the oil.
Food plays a vital role, too. Fried delicacies like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts are staples, symbolizing the oil that sustained the Temple lights. But the holiday isn’t about restriction; it’s a time for feasting and enjoying delicious meals with loved ones.
Then there’s the dreidel, a spinning top adorned with Hebrew letters. These letters represent “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” – “A great miracle happened there.” The game itself is simple, relying entirely on luck, but it’s a beloved tradition for many families.
Interestingly, a far more engaging Hanukkah tradition often goes unnoticed: the quiet competition to see which candle will burn the longest. This subtle game of observation and prediction, considering wick length and wax color, is a surprisingly nuanced and captivating pastime.
And what about the music? While Christmas boasts a wealth of classic carols, Hanukkah has fewer widely known songs. Ironically, many of the most beloved Christmas standards were penned by Jewish songwriters during the golden age of American music. Adam Sandler’s comedic “Hanukkah Song” remains one of the most recognizable tunes celebrating the Festival of Lights.
Ultimately, Hanukkah is a holiday open to all. Its message of hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness resonates universally. Whether you’re Jewish or not, embracing the spirit of Hanukkah – sharing in the joy, lighting a candle, and appreciating the story – is a beautiful way to celebrate the season.
