Reflection About Hanukkah

The exploration of my experience celebrating Hanukkah, more generally as this year that did not really happen, begins with typing out my title and wondering how to even spell Hanukkah. My laptop’s autocorrect enjoys the more Anglicized spelling with the H, while growing up in a Jewish school the spelling and pronunciation leaned more heavily on the Chanuka side, with emphasis on the CH Hebrew sound. Thinking of the related readings and resulting discussions, I wonder about the authenticity of the word, before even thinking of the celebration of the holiday. Just as my spelling and pronunciation has changed over time, largely to become more assimilated to mainstream society – this is also reflected in how religious I have been in general has

My socialization was evidently steeped heavily in Jewish knowledge, rituals, and practices. In my family growing up, the candle was rushed through to make way for the daily gift. Far less ritualistic than Christmas, with much less of a lead up or readjustment phase, I found a sort of Christmas-envy to exist for me, despite growing up receiving gifts this time of year as well. Despite my family being very religious, refusing to get a tree in our living room despite my persuasion, we would go out and look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood beside ours every year on the 3rd night of Hanukkah. My father allowed it, as Hanukkah is the “festival of lights,” but begrudgingly as he found it contributed to the secularization of our

From watching the Rugrats Hanukkah movie with my housemates in late November to making potato pancakes in my house out here, the more relaxed nature of the holiday makes it appealing to all, and without any heavy religious expectations like fasting or attending services. This year, I actually spent 6 out of 8 nights of Hanukkah at a ski resort in British Colombia. I was not with a single other Jewish person, but rather with new friends all around the world. I am usually hesitant to mention to strangers that I am Jewish, but Hanukkah seems to be the easiest way to do that. This setting seemed to be an appropriate place to celebrate suiting to the fact that it is a holiday meant for celebration and indulgence. So, in the evenings before my injury happened, we broke out the small chanukia/menorah that my father had sent with me and I taught this new group of friends some Hanukkah songs. With food and drink and good cheer, it felt appropriate and meaningful to celebrate, while recognizing the changing nature of my place and practices within my Judaism as I grow up. The “alternative world” of this holiday season was that of being in a new place with new people, but I am glad I was still able to celebrate if only a tiny bit in a