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

a Hanukkah 2020 reflection inspired by the Jewish Studio Art Project 

Nine lit candles of various colors burning in the dark, arranged in a straight line.

An original melody for Hanukkah

Person lighting a menorah with a blue and white candle.

“It doesn’t even matter if the miracles are true / What matters is what they stand for”

a person's hand placing an ornage and yellow Hanukkah candle into a menorah. The menorah is filled with other multi-colored candles.

Meditation inspired by the Piasetzner rebbe, Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman Shapira

Silhouette of a person in profile with a bright, blurred sunset in the background creating a warm glow and bokeh effect.

“If we could pluck shards / from the dark …”

A silhouette of a person standing in a sunlit forest, surrounded by tall trees.

Ladino version of the traditional Hallel sung on the seventh night of Hanukkah

people gather to light multiple hanukkah menorahs

“She chopped and mixed from scratch”

Close-up of golden, crispy potato pancakes stacked on a plate.

Original Hanukkah song

Lit menorah with multicolored candles glowing against a dark background.

“The mystics teach that the lights of Hanukkah reflect the Infinite light of creation”

Lit candles with soft flames, reflecting light in a dimly lit room, creating a serene and calming atmosphere.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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. 

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network