Hanukkah

A person placing a candle on a menorah with colorful candles.

“We’ve come to chase away the darkness, carrying light and fire in our hands…” goes the modern Israeli song. Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the tiny miracle of oil and light, and the spirit of the Jewish people fighting to preserve our identity throughout the course of history. In addition to lighting Hanukkah candles, the rituals of this holiday can be enriched by innovative Hanukkah practices that celebrate women’s connections to the Hanukkah story, that focus on healing, and that offer an inspired role for gift giving.

 

Latest Rituals

“I’m drilling / into darkness / to where the rabbis’ promise / flickers still.”
Two lit votive candles in glass holders, placed in a row on metallic stands in a dimly lit setting.
This new poem honors the complex feeling of Hanukkah this year, 2023/5784.
a silver and blue dreidl
“even the faintest spark of light / can reach / and illuminate us.”
closeup photo of candle flames on a Hanukkiah
“With each prayer, with each Shabbat, with each of the eight nights– / we’ll light our candles on our tables, windowsills, and hearts.”
people gather to light multiple hanukkah menorahs
“The hills of Judea howl with anger. My heart burns like the end of a match…”
lighting hanukkah candles
“sparking hope / for a engulfing glow to illuminate all peoples / through love…”
the moon looms over the mountains in a deep blue sky
“Darkness is Love: / deep, endless, rapturous curiosity / ripe for the work of creation.”
The moon over a wheatfield in a night sky
“Every song / a protest, ready to transform.”
an alter of Hanukkah menorahs
“Tonight, perhaps, don’t be in such a rush / to set up your candles against the dark.”
stars across the night sky
“Jacob teaches, / We weave / And reweave, / The narratives / Of our lives”
three candles glowing orange yellow in the dark

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

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Join us for a special event and receive a new booklet of readings and creative prompts to guide you through the Festival of Lights.

Bring your candles, your curiosity, your voice, and your yearning. 

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