Hanukkah Themes

Bringing the Light

Sometimes we bring the light to others, and sometimes we need to borrow a spark.

Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?

Hanukkah bears no relation to Christmas except that it also happens to fall in mid-winter.

All About Chanukah

Often spelled Hanukkah, Chanukah is a spelling variant for the 8-day Jewish festival of lights.

Why Every Home Needs Its Own Menorah

The tradition of lighting Hanukkah candles in every household teaches that all of us have the power to lighten our little corner of the world.

What Eastern European Jews Did on Christmas

A day to play games and avoid Torah study.

Defining Hanukkah: Assimilation

Acculturation versus assimilation, a question for Jews then as now.

The December Dilemma

Whether you ignore Christmas altogether or celebrate it with non-Jewish friends or family, the holiday provokes a lot of emotions.

Defining Hanukkah: Pluralism

Hanukkah represents the struggle to follow one's values and religion in a pluralistic world that often demands uniformity.

Hanukkah Themes and Theology

Beyond the parties and gifts, what the Festival of Lights is all about.