Chanukah is known for the miracle of the menorah that took place in the Temple, but the holiday was called Chanukah from the word Chanukat HaBayit, meaning Dedication of House, because it was the rededication of the Temple after being occupied by the Greeks.
Chanukah also comes from the word Chinuch, which is the Hebrew word for education. During this holiday, we are meant to gather our families together and educate our children and ourselves about the miracles done for us. Together with recalling the original Chanukah miracles, we remind our families about the personal stories that we each have and the miracles that brought us to where we are today.
Chanukah (Hanukkah or Hanuka), which is also known as the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14, and concludes 8 days after, on the evening of Monday, Dec. 22. It recalls the victory of the militarily weak Jewish people over the military strong Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom.
They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple, only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn for only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah (the ninth branch is to help light the other eight). Today, the holiday has become a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.
This year’s menorah lighting is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during a difficult time for the people in Israel.
The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us amidst the world’s craziness, as it did for generations before us. The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Each additional act of goodness and kindness fills that corner of the world with light, slowly catching on and spreading like wildfire. One act of goodness and kindness can make all the difference.
Uniquely, at the core of Chanukah’s observance is sharing the light with others who may not be experiencing it.
Throughout the state of Florida, Chabad will be organizing scores of giant menorah displays and Hanukkah events. The 22nd annual street fair celebration in West Aventura is a free family-friendly event taking place on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, laser tag, a holiday boutique, and more. As a family man who is deeply involved in the community, I must say that there is no better way to spend the first night of Chanukah. Adults and children are welcomed to join the many dignitaries and community leaders for an enjoyable and a meaningful time for everyone.
Other local events include a grand celebration with the Miami Heat on Dec. 15 and a concert at Rick Case Arena, plus more. To find a local event, or anywhere throughout the world, visit Chabad’s international Chanukah event directory at ChabadChayil.org/Chanukah or the Jewish community’s local directory at JewishFlorida.news/Chanukah.
This year, Chabad-organized menorah parades will see over 7,000 Chanukah menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Chanukah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighborhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Chanukah with pride. Chabad centers worldwide have prepared over 32 million Chanukah candles, more than 770,000 menorah kits and 3.6 million holiday guides in 18 languages.
Large display menorahs are available at many online sources. If you still need a menorah or candles for yourself, or need any help celebrating the holiday, please call your local Chabad or my office at 305-770-1919. We can also help you plan your own Chanukah event, menorah lighting or latke party.
We hope and pray for an end to all violence in the world and the eradication of all evil. We know that in the end, goodness and light will prevail, and that even though we are outnumbered, righteousness will endure.
We wish you and your family a very happy Chanukah. May our days be filled with light, warmth, joy and positive energy that is always increasing, just like the menorah lights that increase with each day.
Rabbi Kievman, together with his wife, are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP – an afterschool program for Jewish children in public schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at 305-770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org.
