Eight Questions for Eight Nights

In celebration of HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving., the author posted eight questions on social media for the eight nights of the holiday, using the hashtag #eightqs. These questions can be used as fodder for discussion with family and friends, before or after lighting.

First night: What is your source of light in the darkness? 

Second night: When have you been a match, igniting someone else’s spark? 

Third night: When has someone else empowered you to discover your own brightness within?

Fourth night: Share a favorite Chanukah memory. What makes that particular memory stand out for you?

Fifth night: The Maccabees fought for what they believed in. What belief, idea, or value would you fight for? 

Sixth night: What does the word miracle mean to you? Did you witness any miracles this year? 

Seventh night: What is a non-material gift someone gave you this year? What is a gift that you gave to someone else?

Eighth night: What have these questions illuminated for you over the last week?

This piece was originally published as part of an article at the Huffington Post.