Students Reflect on Hanukkah Values That Guide Our Community

We live in a world that often feels uncertain or divided, and bringing light into darkness means choosing kindness, warmth, and hope even when it's difficult. Israel is a place that strives to be a light through helping others, whether sending aid after natural disasters or standing for the value of human life. But this idea isn’t just about a country, it's about people. Each of us has the ability to bring light into the world with simple acts of kindness, compassion, and courage. When we choose to support one another, especially in moments of darkness, we show that hope is stronger than fear and that even a little bit of light can make a difference in a world of darkness. 

The courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. During Hanukkah, we remember the Maccabees, who courageously stood up against our Greek oppressors and fought to take back our holy land. But courage is not just about bravery and heroic action. It’s also about overcoming your fears in everyday life; it’s about standing up for what you believe in, even in the most mundane situations. Jews of the Maccabean time would still study the Torah even though the Greeks forbade it; they dared to continue to live as Jews, and to misdirect the Greeks by pretending they were just playing dreidel instead. I encourage you this Hanukkah, and from now on, to take inspiration of courage from the Maccabees and the scholars, and to stand up for what you believe in, and to not let anyone oppress you.

Hanukkah reminds us that perseverance isn’t always loud or dramatic—it’s the quiet decision to keep going, even when things feel uncertain or hard. The miracle of Hanukkah came from holding onto hope, faith, and identity when it would’ve been easier to give up. As I light a candle this Hanukkah, I’m honoring the strength it takes to continue believing, continuing trying, and continuing to show up—trusting that even a small light, carried forward with perseverance, can grow into something lasting.

This holiday season it is important to remember to have faith. Faith is not just believing in yourself but believing in your community and the people that surround you.  In the times of the Hanukkah story the Maccabees were fighting a war that seemed impossible to win. The Maccabees had to have faith to believe they would survive. The Maccabees still had faith even when they were at their lowest. Having faith in yourself is so hard when there are constant negatives surrounding you. But even when the Maccabees were at their lowest and surrounded by negatives they still kept their faith. During this Hanukkah season and even in your everyday life I encourage you to be faithful. 

Hanukkah is a very important occasion for Jewish families around the world. For me, it is a time when families come together to celebrate, uphold traditions, and reflect on both the past and present. Central to the holiday is the lighting of the menorah, which commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Holy Temple. During that time, the Jewish people showed incredible strength and courage, standing up for their faith and identity despite oppression. Each night, families gather to light the candles, say prayers, and share stories about their ancestors’ bravery. Traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot bring warmth and comfort, while playing dreidel and giving gifts fosters joy and connection. Hanukkah also reminds us that even today, Jewish people continue to face challenges and persevere, keeping their traditions, faith, and culture alive. The holiday teaches lessons about resilience, hope, and unity, showing that in difficult times, families and communities can remain strong. Hanukkah is not only a celebration of a historical miracle but also a reminder of the enduring strength, courage, and spirit of the Jewish people throughout history and today. Don't forget to light your menorahs and have a happy Hanukkah. Shabbat shalom. 

Gratitude is about noticing and appreciating the people, moments, and opportunities that bring light into our lives, even when we’re busy or stressed. During Hanukkah, we’re reminded that what we have isn’t guaranteed—the miracle only happened because people stopped to value what little they had. Practicing gratitude helps us slow down and recognize the friends who support us, the teachers who challenge us, and the small moments that make our days brighter. When we choose gratitude, we shift our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful, and that mindset can bring light not just to ourselves, but to everyone around us.

Livi: We wanted to talk a bit about the values of miracles. Back when the Roman-Greek empire attacked the Jews, everything seemed hopeless. There were idols all over the temple, and most of it was impure.

Jane: But the Maccabees weren’t done there. They fought back and defeated the Roman-Greeks. But when they came back to their temple, they soon realized there was no more pure oil to light the Hannukiah, except for one small pot. They decided to take their chances and use it on their Hannukiah. To their surprise, the oil lasted them 8 nights. Talk about miracles!

Ella: Nowadays, we celebrate these miracles by rejoicing in prayers, spinning dreidels, lighting the candles, and gobbling down latkes and gelt like the biggies we are. I know one of my favorite parts of Hanukkah is getting presents!!! But the real present is celebrating with family and friends!

Nava: There are miracles in our everyday life, too. The little things that we take for granted and don’t notice can make an impact on our lives. Even though some of the miracles that we experience aren’t as big as the miracles in the story of Hanukkah, they are still important. 

Ellie: This connects to one of GOA’s values, Jewish Life and Learning. This is all about connecting to Judaism and learning about the stories of our ancestors. We remember all of the miracles and struggles that the Jewish people have gone through. Every year, on Hanukkah we remember the amazing miracles that made this holiday a time to remember. 

Hanukkah is one of the happiest holidays that we get to celebrate. The holiday includes fried donuts, fried latkes, presents, and most importantly lighting of the Menorah. We light the menorah to remember the miracles that happened over 2000 years ago. Not only did the oil last for 8 days, but we, the Maccabees, defeated the strong Syrian-Greek empire. 

When asked what the holiday means to me and my family - it's this. It's the resilience of who we were and who we are. We get to show the world during these 8 days that we are strong PROUD Jews. That we don't back down in fear and will always come up on top.

Every year my family and I join in our town's Menorah lighting where we get to share this joy with neighbors and friends. This too is another way we share the joy of lights with the world.

When lighting the menorah, we all sing loudly even though we might be singing completely different melodies. Because nothing is more fun than hearing FIVE people singing off-key. We also enjoy all of the Hanukkah tefillot and all of the songs Spotify has to offer.

Hanukkah is special because it brings my family together in a warm and meaningful way. Every night when we light the candles, we all stop what we’re doing and spend that moment together. Being around familiar faces, sharing stories, and keeping our traditions, makes it feel more about knowing that we belong together more than anything else. When the menorah is lit, our family feels closer, we make memories, and it reminds us that the best part of Hanukkah is the love we share, even though some might think it’s the presents.

The food on Hanukkah just makes everything feel happier. There’s something about the smell of latkes frying or sitting down together to eat foods we only have this time of year that instantly brings excitement. These dishes aren’t just food - even though it is great, they’re memories being on a plate passed back and forth on the table between your whole family, and especially your two crazy siblings. Whether it’s arguing over who’s dish is better or laughing during dessert, the food brings us together and makes the holiday feel even more special than it already is.

Nothing is more important than joy. Between all of the great food, lighting of the menorah, and obviously, presents, the most underrated thing about Hanukkah is just time with family and friends. That is what joy means to me.

Eli: Hearing everyone talk about courage, faith, perseverance, and gratitude really reminds us that Hanukkah isn’t just about the lights—it’s about how we bring light into the world every day.

 

Mia: And whether it’s lighting the menorah, sharing time with family, helping a friend, or just appreciating the little miracles in our lives, every small act counts.