It’s no accident that the word “Hanukkah” (which means “rededication”) is closely related to the Hebrew word “hinukh” – education.  After all, how can we rededicate ourselves to Jewish life if we don’t know much about Judaism?  And how would we expect the next generation of Jews to embrace their heritage if we don’t give them every opportunity to learn about it and experience it?

In fact, the very act of lighting a hanukkiah (the special Hanukkah menorah) is a reminder of the power of education. In commenting on the passage in Numbers 8:2 that describes the lighting of the original menorah in the Tabernacle, the medieval commentator Rashi writes, “The flame [is described as] ‘ascending,’ which implies that one must kindle them until the light ascends of itself.”

Rashi describes a process that is a perfect metaphor for education. The act of lighting each lamp or candle results in two strong flames.  On a menorah (whether of the original six branches or the eight on Hanukkah), the light of the shamash (the “helper candle”) remains strong, but the amount of light in the world grows with each lamp that “ascends” brightly towards the heavens.

Over my many decades as a Jewish educator and rabbi, this is exactly what I’ve experienced.  It is thrilling to see students and community members grow in Jewish knowledge and commitment, helping them feel inspired and empowered to live Jewishly. Moreover, my own “Jewish flame” is stronger and brighter through those interactions.

And, in fact, all of us have that opportunity – as parents or grandparents, as leaders, or as friends – to inspire one another, and especially our next generation.

In a period of terrible persecution, the response of the Maccabees was not just to fight back, but to rededicate the ancient Temple – to ensure that Jewish knowledge and ritual would survive and thrive for generations to come.  In our own era, our response to antisemitism should be to rededicate ourselves to the mitzvah of learning and sharing TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. Read more, and creating communities full of experiences that are connecting, meaningful, and joyful.

As we light the hanukkiah this year, and experience the miracle of seeing the fire of the shamash light multiple flames, let’s remember our own power to kindle the fire of Jewish pride, imagination, and knowledge in each other, and especially our next generation.

I wish you a Hanukkah festival of lights full of joy, meaning, and rededication to Jewish learning and experience, ensuring the light of the Jewish people shines brightly for generations to come!

Hag Urim Sameah,

Jacob

PS:  Want to continue to learn and grow in Jewish knowledge and feel inspired?  Check out ExploringJudaism.org.

PPS:  As we celebrate Hanukkah, don’t forget to provide support to your synagogue and to USCJ, as we partner to strengthen Jewish education and provide meaningful experiences in communities across North America.