Chanukah: Rekindling Resilience, Identity, and the Light of Tradition

A Reflection on Chanukah as a Pathway to Strengthen Jewish Identity and Build Community

Chanukah has always been more than “Jewish Christmas” in my family—it is a time to celebrate resilience, reinforce our identity, and honor the light that continues to guide the Jewish people even through the darkest of times. Each year, we celebrate not just by lighting the menorah and eating latkes but by recharging our “Jewish batteries” and deepening our connection to who we are as a family and as a people.

Chanukah serves as an excellent entry point for strengthening Jewish identity. Accessible and joyful, it connects individuals to their history, community, and faith in a way that resonates deeply. For many Jews, Chanukah is one of the few holidays they observe, often because of its cultural visibility and simplicity. Lighting the menorah is a symbolic act that links us to the Maccabees’ fight for Jewish survival, reminding us that our faith has endured against overwhelming odds. Singing “Ma’oz Tzur” or even simply reciting the blessings creates a sensory connection to Jewish prayer and song, often awakening a sense of belonging for those who may not regularly engage with traditional rituals.

The traditions of Chanukah—lighting candles, singing songs, eating fried foods—offer a gateway to understanding the deeper values of freedom, history, and communal pride. Sharing the story of the Maccabees' fight for Jewish survival and their rededication of the Temple provides an accessible entry into Jewish history. Framing the story as one of courage and resistance helps us see ourselves as part of the legacy of Jewish resilience. By drawing modern parallels, such as comparing the Maccabees to Israeli soldiers or Jews fighting antisemitism today, Chanukah becomes a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and cherish our identity.

Growing up, I saw these lessons come alive in family traditions. Each year, we crammed into one of my aunts’ semi-attached houses in Midwood, Brooklyn, with dozens of cousins. It was chaotic and loud in the best way. We squeezed into every available space—kitchen, living room, and even the staircase, which inevitably became extra seating for the younger cousins. We played dreidel, laughed, and shared stories over bagels and Kosher Dunkin’ Donuts.

The party alternated between houses each year, but the feeling was always the same: warm, noisy, and full of love. Those gatherings grounded me in the strength and joy of being part of a Jewish family and community. They weren’t just celebrations of Chanukah—they were celebrations of survival, resilience, and pride.

As I grew older, Chanukah sometimes coincided with winter break when my immediate family would take our annual ski vacation. Lighting the menorah in a cozy Killington, Vermont, ski resort condo surrounded by snow-covered mountains was magical. That memory stands in stark contrast to the crowded Brooklyn homes of my childhood, yet the essence of Chanukah remained the same: family, resilience, and a deep connection to our Jewish identity.

These personal memories connect me to the Maccabees’ enduring legacy. They fought not only for their right to worship but to preserve their unique identity as a people. Their courage and determination remind us that thriving as Jews depends on our willingness to uphold our traditions and values.

In our home, Chanukah is also marked by a tradition of gifting practical items—calendars to plan the year ahead, warm socks for cold winter days, Swiss army knives or tools, and always one big, special gift. These thoughtful offerings remind us of what sustains us daily and symbolize the metaphorical tools for resilience—echoing the preparedness and resourcefulness that have defined the Jewish experience for millennia.

As we light the menorah this year, my family’s prayers will include hope for the safe return of those held hostage in Gaza and strength for those defending Israel today. These modern “Maccabees” embody the courage and dedication that Chanukah celebrates, reminding us of the ongoing fight for Jewish survival and freedom.

Chanukah is not just a celebration of the past; it is a challenge to protect our future. It asks us to be brave like the Maccabees, to preserve our traditions, and to kindle the light of hope, resilience, and faith that continues to guide us. Each flame we light illuminates our connection to generations past and our responsibility to ensure the strength of Jewish identity for generations to come.

Chag Urim Sameach!