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The Spiritual Meaning of Hanukkah

DECEMBER 08, 2018


This year I celebrate my second Hannukah. If you have followed me for a while, you know that I love to comprehend and integrate the spiritual meanings of the Jewish holidays. I strongly believe that God gave us the Jewish Holidays for a special reason. Not only to remember the miracles of our long and intense history, but also to realize something about ourselves connected to the specific holiday in a spiritual aspect. I believe that there is always a deeper meaning than what we might see on the surface and if we open ourselves for a deep spiritual connection to the ritual of the holiday we can achieve spiritual growth.

Hanukkah is the festival of lights. By celebrating Hanukkah we remember the miracle of the menorah and its light. And we remember the miraculous victory of the Jews over the Greeks and with that, the liberation of the Jewish temple.

But what is the spiritual meaning behind these historical events of Hannukah?

We commonly think of the war of Hanukkah as being between the Maccabees (Jewish priests) and the Greeks. However, most of the battle was between the Maccabees and the “Mityavnim” (lit. the Jews who became Greek by leaving Judaism and went into paganism). So it was rather a war between pure authentic Jews and Jews who left their Jewish believe, their God and their culture.

Hannukah celebrates the triumph of faith and courage, when a band of Israelites stood up for their right to be Jewish. Hashem had the Maccabees win and regain the Temple, which is not just a building, but the place that connects Jews to Hashem. Hashem gave the Jewish people their power back and showed them that authentic Jews merit the Temple.

The conquering of the Temple enabled the Jews to light the lights of the menorah again. The light of the menorah shines light into the world. Just as Jews do.

We remember that the Jewish people are supposed to be authentic and shine their light. Our inner light must shine against the darkness of evil and indifference and must kindle the spirits of our fellow humans.

What is light? Light is commonly viewed as a metaphor for wisdom, also in the Torah. Indeed, the Chanukah lights are placed in the window as a beacon to all passersby that darkness can be dispelled with wisdom, obscurity can be illuminated with truth. Hannukah also imbues the world with the hope of redemption, when light will triumph over negativity.

May every Hannukah candle ignite the flame in our souls, the spark that can not be extinguished that will burn, not only for eight days, but for eternity. May we remember all the big and small miracles of our lives and recognize that they all came from Hashem.

By Ilana Schiffner

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About Me

Welcome to "Jewish by Choice"!
Quick facts about me: German, 26 years old, currently living and converting in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values. Willing to discover Judaism in all aspects of life: travel, fashion, lifestyle, hobby, character refinement .. and motivated to inspire with my journey :)

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