Hanukkah Celebrations in the US Changed by Conflict in Israel
Every year, Jean Joachim lights her family's Hanukkah menorah, a cherished heirloom. But recently, something changed. The 75-year-old romance novelist glanced over at the candelabra from her kitchen, then made a decision she never thought she'd have to make – she hid it away.
"I didn't want to put myself in danger," Joachim says. "I have a guilty conscience about it, but sometimes we have to be realistic and protect ourselves. I think we need to look at what's happened lately and take necessary precautions."
In Seattle, Richard Hills took an action he'd never done as an adult. For years, his family had placed Menorahs in their windows, but this year, Hills put one outside his home.
"I wanted to protect my inheritance...and that of all Jews," he says. "I wanted to do the opposite of hiding."
CNN asked Jews in the US and around the world how the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict is impacting their lives and Hanukkah celebrations. Hundreds of responses poured in, revealing deeply personal thoughts on their lives, fears, and how the situation is affecting their Hanukkah plans.
Joining the Dublin Rabbi: "A Little More Light"
The story behind the Hanukkah Menorah dates back thousands of years, during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 165 BCE. The one-day supply of oil for the Menora miraculously lasted for eight days.
For Hills and many others, the symbolism of the Menorah goes beyond the story.
He's been aware of the tradition of placing Menorahs in windows during Hanukkah for years. But he'd never felt the need to do so as an adult – until now.
"My feelings towards Hanukkah have changed a bit this year," Hills says.
Hills was shocked by the recent rise in antisemitic demonstrations on the streets of Seattle, and the news of suspicious white powder-filled packages sent to local synagogues.
"It's so close to home," he says. "But it's made me more determined to stand in solidarity with all Jewish families around the world rather than hiding away."
Hills found strength in his decision to display Menorahs in his windows, feeling empowered by the numerous things beyond his control.
"There's strength in that," he says.
Worrying About Visibility: Sara Katz in Baltimore
In just a few weeks in October, Sara Katz faced significant changes in her life. She moved to a new neighborhood, lost her grandmother, and war broke out in the Middle East.
The 25-year-old, who works at an animal hospital outside Baltimore, has been reflecting on her Jewish heritage. Now, more than ever, she says things feel more intense.
Katz cherishes the family heirlooms she's inherited, such as a hand-carved wooden Dreidel, a family Torah, and a decorated Menorah. She wants to honor her family's heritage.
This year, she plans to give it all for Hanukkah – she wants to place blue and white candles on the balcony and hang Christmas decorations on the windows.
But now, she's unsure. She fears attracting unwanted attention. Even living in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, she's concerned that if someone were to attack a synagogue, and discover Jewish symbols on the street, her home might become a target.
Katz has left her Menorah and Dreidel at home.
She hopes next year will be safer so she can share her family's beauty with her neighbors.
The Rabbi's Hanukkah Philosophy: "The Greater, the Better"
Rabbi Shalom Kantor of B'nai Moshe in West Bloomfield, Michigan, says no one in his congregation has shown any reluctance about celebrating Hanukkah this year. A reason, he says, could be his well-known Hanukkah philosophy: "The greater, the better."
The idea of promoting the miracle of Hanukkah by lighting the Menorah in a public place stems from the Talmud. In some communities, it's customary to place Menoras on the steps of their homes. In the US, it's common to display Menorahs in windows.
Kanter went even further. He set up a large Menorah with Tiki-torch candles on his lawn and, during a community demonstration, pulled an emblem onto the bed of a pickup truck.
As every year, Kanter sees in the Hanukkah celebrations and the way they're observed a vital message. "The more light we have, the more darkness we can drive away. This tiny flickering light allows people to see that hope and beauty exist," he says.
Kanter believes this message is even more important due to the rise in antisemitism.
"If Jews are nervous about openly expressing their identity or fear for their safety in public spaces, this is our opportunity to stand up and be proud of who we are and what we do. Share your traditions: We're proud of our contributions to the world and America," he says.
His daughter asked him a question he hadn't anticipated
Scott Howard grew up in a multicultural community. The 45-year-old salesman takes pride in raising children to respect diversity.
They are an interfaith family. During their holidays, they decorate the lawn outside Chicago with inflatable ornaments.
Howard's 12-year-old daughter has always loved the yard displays, and this year she asked a question that caught him off-guard: "Should we put up Hanukkah lights this year?"
He quickly reassured her, but it was a moment of relief.
"There's a moment of reflection and sadness, seeing a 12-year-old processing the world like that, and she's still innocent and pure," Howard says.
He thought about his ancestors and distant relatives. He also thought about his Arab friends from his childhood and the discrimination they faced. "They have to deal with it," he remembers thinking.
Howard told his daughter she should be proud of who she is.
"We're the culmination of generations of families who have lived meaningful lives so we could be here and be what we are today," he says. "No matter if someone is Jewish, Arab, black, gay, or anything else, they should be themselves and not worry about it."
Last week, they put up the inflatable Hanukkah lights once again.
He reflects on his childhood, remembering anti-Semitism. This moment feels even more threatening.
Alexandra Gilwit of CNN contributed to this report.
Also Read:
While US citizens may grow weary of their annual ritual, they are taking necessary steps to combat antisemitism in the country and protect themselves. Meanwhile, others in this hostile climate are forced to tread cautiously in the deceptive sphere of public display.
However, despite these challenges, efforts are being made to maintain unity and resilience within the Jewish community. Organizations like Jewish Future Promise emphasize the importance of unity and inclusivity, encouraging Jews to stand together in the face of adversity.
Enrichment Data:
The conflict in Israel has significantly impacted the celebration of Hanukkah for some Americans, particularly those in the Jewish community. Here are some key points:
- Increased Antisemitism: The conflict has led to a rise in antisemitic incidents, which have affected the way some American Jews celebrate Hanukkah. For example, in December 2023, a Hanukkah menorah was purposefully knocked down and damaged outside a Chabad building in Sherman Oaks, California, reflecting broader antisemitic trends.
- Fear and Safety Concerns: Many American Jews have reported feeling less safe due to the conflict. A significant number have avoided certain places, events, or situations out of concern for their safety or comfort as a Jew. This includes avoiding public displays of Jewish symbols like menorahs or wearing Jewish symbols like the Star of David.
- Online and Social Media Impact: Most antisemitic content and anti-Israel vitriol continue to be primarily spread online and on social media, which can influence how people perceive and celebrate Hanukkah. The online environment can amplify hate speech and create a hostile atmosphere for Jewish individuals.
- Community Unity: Despite these challenges, there are efforts to maintain unity and resilience within the Jewish community. Organizations like Jewish Future Promise emphasize the importance of unity and inclusivity, encouraging Jews to stand together in the face of adversity.
