Oy Khanike, Oy Khanike

A yontef a sheyner,

A lustiker a freylekher

Nisht do nokh azoyner

Ale nakht mit dreydlekh shpiln mir,

Frishe heyse latkes, esn on a shir.

Geshvinder, tsindt kinder

Di Khanike likhtlekh on

Zogt “Al Hanisim” loybt Got far di nisim

Un lomir ale tantsn in kon.

Zogt “Al Hanisim” loybt Got far di nisim

Un lomir ale tantsn in kon.

The above are the Yiddish lyrics to the popular holiday song, Chanukah, Oh Chanukah. Here is a lovely rendition of the song in both English and Yiddish.

Chanukah begins sundown on Wednesday, December 25 and concludes at sundown on January 2, 2025. The last time Chanukah started on December 25 was in 2005. In fact, Chanukah has started on December 25 only four times since 1910. It will happen next in 2035 and then not until 2054. (And the next “Thanksgivukah,” when Thanksgiving and Chanukah converge, will be in 2070.)

I am writing about Chanukah now because there are so many wonderful Chanukah programs in our community – with many prior to the start of the holiday. Please click here for a full list of Chanukah happenings in Greater Portland.

Chanukah is one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (but it is mentioned in the Christian Bible). The Maccabees were a small band of Jewish fighters who liberated the Land of Israel from the Assyrians who occupied it. Under the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Assyrians sought to impose their Hellenistic culture, which many Jews found attractive. By 167 BCE, Antiochus defiled the Temple in Jerusalem and banned Jewish practice. The Maccabees — led by Judah — waged a three-year campaign that culminated in the cleaning and rededication of the Temple.

It is in the Talmud many years later when we first learn of the miraculous jar of oil that burned for eight days. The Talmud uses the story of the oil to explain why fasting and grieving are not allowed on Chanukah.

Perhaps this best describes the modern “oil miracle” story:

In the Second Book of Maccabees (not included in the Hebrew Bible) we read that upon reclaiming the Temple, an eight-day celebration followed “in the manner of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot)’’ (10:6-8). The Maccabees and their followers missed Sukkot because they were fighting, and upon the end of their battle, they celebrated the festival.

While quite different from the miracle of the oil, this story adds a new value to the holiday. Too often we think of missed opportunities as permanent. In celebrating a “second Sukkot," the Maccabees and their followers teach us that it is never too late for a second chance.

Another important, less discussed Chanukah character is Judith. She went to the Assyrians' army camp where her beauty captured the attention of Holofernes, the Assyrian top general. She fed him salty cheese to make him thirsty so he would drink lots of wine. Once he fell asleep, she took his sword and chopped off his head (much of the Chanukah story is violent). The beheading – since carried out by a woman – was said to have frightened Holofernes’ troops into fleeing – while others say she encouraged the Israelites to launch a surprise attack from which they emerged victorious.

Here are some tips and facts about Chanukah:

• Yosef Rosen, our new Director of Jewish Life and Learning, created this video with the blessings to light the menorah (and here is a menorah lighting guide for your use). When lighting your menorah, please remember and pray for the release of the hostages still in Gaza.

• Yosef also did a “lunch and learn” with our team about the origins of the dreidel. I now wonder if they were ever made out of clay. Learn more here.

• And when did chocolate gelt begin? In her book, On the Chocolate Trail, Rabbi Deborah Prinz writes that some credit America’s Loft candy company with creating it in the 1920s, while others suggest there were European versions earlier that inspired Israel’s Elite candy company.

• Our tradition teaches us to proudly place our menorah in the window to publicize the miracle of Chanukah, which I hope you will do. Interestingly, in Morocco, Algeria, and other North African communities, it is customary to hang the menorah on a hook on the doorway, beside the mezuzah. Putting the menorah near the mezuzah was thought to enhance the protection already offered by the mezuzah. Menorahs made in North Africa have a ring at the top, as well as a flat metal backing, so that the menorah can be safely hung.

• Here are some Chanukah recipes you may wish to enjoy (courtesy of JewishBoston.com). Food talk begs the question – sour cream or apple sauce for your latkes?

• The Forward shared the best Chanukah songs of all time.

• Finally, based on my love for TV, here are the “33 Best Chanukah Episodes on TV.” I am "proud" to say that I have seen 22 of them.

Tuesday morning, I was invited to a special holiday program coordinated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have placed “Giving Machines - Light the World” in locations around the world, including one at the Washington Square Mall (between 85°C Bakery and T-Mobile). Similar to a vending machine, you select specific charities and donation items (see full list here) with 100% of funds going to that cause. Easy to do and very meaningful.

It was a pleasure to be there with so many community and faith leaders, plus several elected officials.

Jewish community leaders: Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Rabbi Chanan Spivak, Steve Rallison, Rabbi Shalom Skolnik, Tobias Read (incoming Secretary of State), Rabbi Michael Cahana, and me.

These “giving machines” are a beautiful teachable moment for families. While shopping at the mall, you can show your care for the greater community around us. Thank you to the Latter-day Saints for bringing this gift of light to so many – understanding the true giving machines are each of us with our personal generosity.

Let me end with this...Rabbi David Wolpe teaches, "The highest calling is not to be the brightest light but to kindle the flame in others." The shamash candle on our menorah embodies this message, serving not for its own glory, but to empower and uplift the lights around it. We can all do the same.

Shabbat shalom and I hope school children and teachers have a safe and wonderful winter break.