I’ve always loved Hanukkah, lighting the candles, the songs, the donuts, the dreidels, the family gathering the drops of rain on the window and the smell of the wet earth…

But looking beyond this, one must wonder what we celebrate. The heroic rebellion of the Hasmoneans? Maybe it is the need to remember that we are not that strong as a people? While some might say that we were forced into the Hellenistic form of living, others might argue that we were easily tempted and maybe today things aren’t all that different.

Recently I heard a fascinating lecture offering a different point of view of what Hannukah is all about:
*Caring
*Remembering
*Praising
*Weaning

Care for the needy - Hanukkah gelt has developed over years to be something we give children. The original idea however, was to cast the poor over the wealthy. Encourage everyone to open their hhand and assist the needy…as much as they can or desire. In that respect, we light the social candle of caring and sharing at Hanukkah.

Remember when efforts were made to extinguish the candle of Judaism. Hanukkah is about remembering when Jews helped the oppressor for lucre, position and power. Remember also the heroic sacrifice of those willing to become martyrs to ensure continuity of Jewish life and faith. In that respect we light the Jewish candle of Peoplehood and continuity at Hanukkah.

Praise the values that define you as a human being. The ones that made our ancestors flee to their death while other adopted the Hellenistic form of living. The fortitude to rebel against the decrees regarding forced conversion from Judaism. In that respect we light the value candle of choosing to live a Jewish life for its values and essence at Hanukkah.

Wean yourself from the need to connect faith with miracles done by the Almighty. There are no short cuts as we all well know and being Jewish is not about the size of the miracle that is or was done. It is about love and faith, commitment and continuity, family and tradition, values and caring. In that respect we light the faith candle of Jewish spirit and ideas at Hanukkah.

So make this Hanukkah special for you and your family by dedicating each night’s candle to another great Jewish value. Caring for each other, Tikkun Olam, human dignity, and liberty, truth, justice, peace, creativity, excellence… or any other value you or they choose. Show them how miracles are done by all of us every day, when we do good and help make this world a better place. Happy holiday to all of you.

This post is dedicated to a great teacher Eli Riefmann who, in his most unusual way, helps many understand and connect to their Jewish Identity.