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Happy First Day of Hanukkah and a Very Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas, darling! This year, we are celebrating something special—Hanukkah begins today, on Christmas Day.

From my Ultimate Concierge, our beloved pooch America, and me, we send you warm wishes for a holiday filled with light, love, and joy.

May the lights on your Menorah light up your home and your life, and may the twinkling lights on your Christmas tree bring warmth to your heart. Whether you’re lighting candles or unwrapping gifts, may this day bring brightness to all.

Hanukkah: A Celebration of Authenticity

As a Jew celebrating Hanukkah, I want to dive deeper into the meaning of this beautiful holiday. For me, Hanukkah is more than lighting the menorah or frying latkes—it’s a celebration of authenticity.

Authenticity has always drawn me in. To be authentic means to be genuine, and that’s not always easy. It’s about standing firm in your beliefs, even when the world pushes back. This is why Hanukkah resonates so deeply with me.

The Festival of Lights is rooted in a story of courage and conviction. The Maccabees, facing insurmountable odds, refused to surrender their faith. They fought to reclaim their identity, their traditions, and their temple. Their unwavering authenticity ensured the survival of Judaism itself.

Hanukkah reminds me of the power in staying true to who we are, no matter the challenges. It’s a lesson we can all take to heart, whether we celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or simply the light we bring into the world.

The History of Hanukkah

In 165 BCE, Judas Maccabaeus and his followers reclaimed Jerusalem from a Greek emperor who had declared Israel a part of the Greek Empire. The emperor sought to assimilate and control all religions in Jerusalem by prohibiting the practice of any faith other than the worship of Greek gods.

He decreed that the Temple of Jerusalem be converted into a Greek shrine and forbade the Jewish people from studying the Torah (the law of God revealed to Moses and recorded in the five books of the Hebrew scriptures), observing Jewish customs, or celebrating their holidays.

Why Hanukkah is Called the Festival of Lights

After a three-year war, the little Maccabee army (the Jews) defeated the Greeks and the temple was restored to Jewish worship. As part of a redeeming ceremony, Hanukkah, meaning dedication in Hebrew, the Maccabees began an 8-day purification ceremony.

Unfortunately, they discovered they had oil to burn for one night in the eight branched Menorah, a candelabra known as the Temple lamp, that had candle holders to burn for eight nights. A miracle occurred: the Menorah candles burned for 8 days. That is the reason Hanukkah is called, the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is a happy celebration; The return of the Temple and the Jewish religion to its people. Judaism was here to stay.

The Symbolism of the Menorah

Of course, the Menorah is the most important symbol of Hanukkah. It alludes to the branches of human knowledge and symbolizes the creation in seven days. The 8th candle is called the Shamash. It represents the Sabbath and the helper candle used to light the other candles. And, all eight candles together represent the miracle of the blazing candles for eight days.

Here is one of my Menorahs:

Why I Believe Hanukkah is a Holiday of Authenticity

Since that time in 165 BC, the Jewish people have observed the celebration of Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights. It is my feeling that Hanukkah is a celebration of authenticity because the Maccabees (the Jewish people) refused to surrender what made them authentic… their faith. Even if it cost them their lives. They felt not to live as observant Jews was not to live at all.

Christmas and Hanukkah

I read a book by Harold Kushner, To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking, where he explained if it weren’t for Hanukkah there would be no Christmas because Jesus was a Jew! If the Maccabees had not defeated the Greeks, the Jewish people would have faded into Greek culture.

If we all trace our family tree back to that time, we all belonged to the House of David. Jesus lived his life as an observant Jew. He celebrated Hanukkah as a child and the last supper was a Passover seder. The apostles and most of the peoples who became his followers were Jews. The crowds who heard him speak called Jesus, Rabbi (teacher) so darling, our similarities, and our heritage are greater than our differences! I love that.

A Lovely Way…

“What a lovely way to think,” I say out loud to my computer as I look out our window at the city lights. It is morning and still dark. This year has been an incredibly difficult time for me, as my husband has faced serious health challenges. It has tested my resilience and positivity, and brought moments of fear and uncertainty. I find myself reflecting on how to bring light into our lives, despite the struggles we’ve endured. I say out loud to my computer, “What can I do to bring ‘light’ into the lives of our family who are so far away and light into my heart?”

Sending Something Special

I decided to send each family a Menorah and candles and a personal and individual handwritten blessing, my potato latkes recipe, and a Hamsa, an ancient Middle Eastern religious symbol for all faiths. It is a protective talisman that brings good fortune, health and happiness, fertility, and abundance. I may send the girls one to wear around their neck and another to hang in their home.

Another thought was to send a special vase I love from the designer, Johnathan Adler; the Mr. and Mrs. Muse Vase. It is stark white with two embossed lips one on each side. I will send this with a special note. Lastly, I may try to have a Zoom meetup to light our Hanukkah candles together on the first night of Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah to You All!

Darling, what can I say to help make this Hanukkah an extra joyous celebration? Take heart, because the beauty of this season lies in the timeless traditions that unite us. We will light our menorahs, savor delicious latkes, and reflect on the resilience and authenticity that have defined us for generations.

This year, as Hanukkah and Christmas align, let’s celebrate the light we bring into each other’s lives. From my home to yours, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. May this season fill your heart with love, joy, and gratitude. Together, let’s make the coming year shine brightly for our families and ourselves!

Are you celebrating Hanukkah in your home this year? I would love to hear from you in the comments at the bottom of this page!

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