Hanukkah’s Eternal Message of Resilience {23 Dec 2024}

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Hanukkah’s Eternal Message of Hope and Resilience Still Burns Brightly

BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS

The remarkable and miraculous story of Hanukkah offers more than a historical commemoration. In a year marked by soaring antisemitism and existential challenges to Israel, it reminds us of the enduring strength of the Jewish spirit and the ability to bring light into the darkest times. Defiance against oppression resonates powerfully today, as Jewish communities in America, Israel and around the world continue to stand up against hatred, persecution and widespread efforts to erase their Jewish identity. Hanukkah’s lessons are not confined to ancient history – they are a call to action, a reminder of resilience and a celebration of hope that remains relevant.

The Maccabees: A Story of Defiance and Hope

Hanukkah’s origins are rooted in one of the most challenging periods in Jewish history. In the 2nd century BCE, the Greek Empire sought to suppress Jewish religious practices and assimilate Jews into Greek culture. The desecration of Jerusalem’s Second Temple and the banning of key Jewish observances were attempts to obliterate a distinct cultural and spiritual identity.

Against all odds, a small group of Jewish fighters – led by Judah Maccabee – rose up against tyranny. They were ordinary individuals who believed in the sanctity of their faith and freedom. The Maccabee victory was a testament to their courage, unity and unyielding determination. The miracle of the oil that burned for eight days during the Temple’s rededication became a symbol of enduring hope – celebrated during the restoration of independence for Jews in their historical homeland.

The Maccabee story – the annual Festival of Lights – is an enduring reminder that even when the odds seem insurmountable, faith and unity can prevail. This story continues to inspire those who choose courage over fear.

Modern-Day Maccabees: Resilience in America and Israel

Just as the Maccabees stood firm against hatred and violence, Jewish communities around the world are confronting similar challenges. In America, antisemitism has surged dramatically, particularly on university campuses and even on city streets. Incidents ranging from vandalism of Jewish businesses to harassment of students and physical assaults have become alarmingly common. These attacks are often masked as anti-Zionism, but are rooted in millennia-old antisemitic tropes. They must be confronted with the same determination as the Maccabee fight for freedom.

In Israel, the spirit of resilience is visible in the nation’s response to a history of existential threats. Israelis continue to defend their communities against attacks from all directions, exemplifying the strength and unity of a people committed to survival and freedom. Israelis continue to recover from the horrors of the 10/7 massacres; their endurance under a barrage of attacks reflects the lessons of Hanukkah: light can emerge from darkness and unity can overcome division.

Allies Stand Together Against Hate: The Christmas Menorahs

The Maccabee legacy extends beyond Jewish communities, inspiring acts of courage and unity in defense of shared values. At the Univ. of North Carolina in April, members of a fraternity stood up against pro-Hamas protesters and restored the American flag on campus after the protestors replaced it with a Palestinian flag. The American flag had been flying at half-mast for four Charlotte police officers killed in the line of duty. Their actions were widely praised as a defense of American values and a stand against antisemitism. These actions echoed in Congress, where bipartisan support against antisemitism remains strong. Rep. Ritchie Torres has been one of the most vocal advocates supporting Jews. There also have been legal victories against universities that failed to protect Jewish students or allowed anti-Jewish rhetoric to run rampant.

The violent November “Jew hunt” in Amsterdam that targeted Israeli soccer fans evoked painful memories of past attacks. Arab and Muslim gangs intentionally targeted Israeli Jewish soccer fans – questioning whether pedestrians were Jews – a reprehensible act that is becoming increasingly common around the world, including in America. Yet, stories of courage emerged, such as an Israeli Druze soccer fan who used his Arabic skills to protect dozens of Jewish fans from harm. This was followed weeks later by a joint rally of Christian and Jewish groups in Amsterdam, where thousands gathered to demonstrate the strength of interfaith solidarity and their shared stand against hate.

A famous story of solidarity in Billings, Montana, in 1993 still carries meaning nearly 31 years later. White supremacists targeted Jews, Blacks and Native Americans and hurled a block of concrete through the window of a five-year-old Jewish boy who displayed a Hanukkah menorah in his bedroom window. Montana Association of Churches Executive Director Margaret MacDonald declared: “Let’s all put up menorahs.” The Billings Gazette published a full-page solidarity message with a menorah image for residents to post in their windows. About 10,000 in the community answered the call by displaying the menorah posters in their home and office windows in a town with only 150 Jews.

The actions of Jewish allies echo the Hanukkah story – proving that courage and light still prevail in moments of darkness.

Spreading Light: Hanukkah’s Call to Action

The Hanukkah story teaches that miracles come not only from divine intervention, but also from human effort. The Maccabees did not wait for salvation – they acted with courage and conviction. Similarly, the modern Jewish community is called to action, whether through advocacy, education or acts of kindness that counter hate with hope.

Lighting the menorah is more than a ritual – it is a declaration of resilience and pride. Each flame represents the power of unity and the enduring strength of the Jewish people. Public menorah lightings – a practice rooted in the principle of pirsumei nisa (publicizing the miracle) – take on added significance now. Whether on university campuses, in city centers or at family gatherings, these lights proclaim that Jewish identity will not be extinguished.

1. The eternal light of Hanukkah still shines brightly

Hanukkah is more than a celebration of a historical event. It is a timeless reminder of the strength and resilience that define the Jewish people. In America, Israel and around the world, modern-day Maccabees continue to stand against oppression, bringing home and inspiring courage in the face of adversity. Lighting the menorah this year is a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can shine through. Hanukkah serves as an inspiration to act with courage, unity and determination, ensuring the flame of resilience burns brightly for generations to come.

2. Modern challenges demand Maccabee courage

Rising antisemitism across America – from university campuses to city streets and public rhetoric to social media – mirrors the oppression the Maccabees faced centuries ago. The strength and resolve required to face these challenges reflect the Maccabee spirit, demonstrating how courage and unity can counter modern darkness. This legacy serves as a reminder that each act of defiance against hate, each defense of identity and each effort to uphold justice carries forward the Maccabee tradition. In every challenge, there is an opportunity to light a spark of hope and resilience.

3. Interfaith solidarity strengthens resilience

The Hanukkah story teaches that resilience grows stronger when allies join together. Across the world, acts of solidarity from diverse communities reflect the power of shared humanity and mutual respect. When individuals of different faiths and backgrounds unite against antisemitism and hatred, they reinforce the values of righteousness, dignity and compassion. Standing together in the face of hate strengthens the bonds of humanity and lights the path forward, proving that unity is a powerful force against division and darkness.

4. Hanukkah teaches the power of action

The Maccabees did not wait for miracles – they survived against all odds through courage and determination. Today’s Jewish communities are called to act against oppression, promote understanding and inspire hope for a brighter future. This holiday reminds us that that resilience is built through intentional actions – large and small. Lighting the menorah is more than just a ritual, but also a celebration of the Jewish commitment to making the world brighter. We can ensure that light continues to triumph over darkness by taking the initiative and standing firm.

5. Public menorahs declare resilience and pride

Public menorah lightings are an important action to celebrate and affirm Jewish identity – boldly proclaiming that the Jewish spirit endures despite rising hate. Whether in city squares, on campuses or in homes, each menorah lit reminds the world that light triumphs over darkness and sustains the enduring strength and unity of the Jewish people. These flames represent strength, pride and the unwavering commitment to hope, boldly declaring to all that the Jewish people stand strong and proud.

A. Allies unite: Join a public menorah lighting or display a menorah in your window

Bring Hanukkah’s message of resilience and pride into the public eye. Whether at a local community gathering, on a university campus or at work, lighting the menorah publicly spreads light, strengthens Jewish identity and is an opportunity to allies to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jews. Another option is to follow the example set by non-Jewish residents in Billings, Montana, from 1993. Locals responded to an act of vandalism by displayed pictures of 10,000 menorahs in their home and office windows in a city of only 150 Jewish residents. These are simple yet powerful ways to counter darkness with hope and unity.

B. Share the story of Hanukkah

Educate others about the lessons of Hanukkah – resilience, courage and the enduring fight for freedom. Sharing the story with friends, colleagues or through social media helps combat ignorance and fosters understanding of Jewish values and history – lessons that apply to everyone.

C. Perform an act of kindness

Use Hanukkah as an opportunity to spread light by helping others. Whether through volunteering, supporting local causes or reaching out to someone in need, each act of kindness reinforces the values of unity and hope that define the holiday season.

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The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.

Recognizing that hatred of Jews comes in many forms and directions, we strive to address all sources as they arise, and educate our growing audience on topics ranging from inter-religious relations to relevant international developments. From week to week, we may focus on issues arising from the political left, university campuses, from the political right and from institutions, government, and corporations. We don’t try to address all issues in each edition. We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking. We are always open to your feedback: info@focus-project.org.