Hanukkah at PJCC

A Time to Rededicate Ourselves

In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” literally means “re-dedication.” As we remember how Judah and his followers restored the Temple, we too can rededicate ourselves to our highest aspirations. Lighting candles when nights are longest reminds us that it takes only a small flame to bring hope and illumination to dark spaces.

The Miracle of the Oil

According to tradition, a single bottle of pure olive oil—enough for just one day—kept the Temple’s menorah alight for eight full days. This is why we light our own hanukkiah (special nine-branched menorah) for eight nights. Each evening, we add another candle until our hanukkiah glows with the fullness of the holiday’s light.

Hanukkah at Home

Families often gather to light the hanukkiah in a warm, festive setting. After the candles are lit, people sing, spin dreidels, and enjoy special foods fried in oil—like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts)—to honor the miracle. Many also dedicate each lit candle to a specific hope or cause, giving a small donation to an organization that supports that purpose.

Simple Ways to Celebrate

• Light a favorite candle with friends or loved ones and reflect on something you’d like to (re)dedicate yourself to.
• Make a donation to a cause close to your heart.
• Practice self-care; treat your body like a temple with a relaxing yoga session, swim, or spa treatment.
• Embrace the fun! Sing songs, spin a dreidel, and savor the tastes and sounds of the holiday.

How to Light the Hanukkiah

1. Arrange the candles from right to left, placing the shamash (helper candle) in its higher or separate holder.
2. Light the shamash.
   • On the first night, say all three blessings (found in the brochure below).
   • On subsequent nights, say the first two blessings.
3. Use the shamash to kindle the other candles from left to right.
4. Enjoy songs, blessings, games, and delicious treats!