Celebrating Hanukkah: A Time of Light, Resilience, and Togetherness

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time for joy, family, and reflection within the Jewish community and beyond. Rooted in Jewish traditions, Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and the strength of faith and perseverance. Over centuries, this meaningful holiday has become a global celebration of hope, resilience, and the enduring values of community and kindness.

Celebrated over eight nights, Hanukkah commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt—a Jewish uprising against Greek-Syrian oppressors in the 2nd century BCE. According to the Talmud, during the re-dedication, a small amount of oil—enough for only one day—miraculously burned for eight days, symbolizing divine intervention and hope. To honour this miracle, families light the menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum), adding a candle each night until all eight are aglow. The 9th branch is meant for the ‘helper’ candle that is used to light all the other candles. The menorah’s light represents faith, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The joy of Hanukkah extends far beyond lighting the menorah. Families come together to sing songs, play dreidel games, exchange gifts, and share in delicious foods. Since oil plays a significant role in the Hanukkah story, many traditional dishes are fried, honouring the miracle of the oil. Popular Hanukkah foods include:

Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes, often served with applesauce or sour cream.

Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar.

Brisket: A slow-cooked, savoury centrepiece for family meals.

Rugelach: Buttery, crescent-shaped pastries filled with jam, nuts, or chocolate.

For some delicious Hanukkah recipes, click here.

Here in Abbotsford and in communities worldwide, Hanukkah is a time to gather, reflect, and share joy with loved ones. This year, celebrations will begin at sundown on December 25 and last until January 2. Families and friends will come together to celebrate during this time with food, laughter, and the lighting of the menorah, embodying the themes of resilience, faith, and generosity.

For all those who celebrate, Happy Hanukkah from the Abbotsford Community Foundation!