This year, Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, coincides with Christmas Day—a rare occurrence that has happened only five times since 1900. The eight-day celebration began on Wednesday evening, bringing communities across Europe together in a shared spirit of light and resilience.
Hanukkah’s Historical and Religious Significance
The term “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. Following its liberation by a small group of Jewish fighters, a miracle is said to have occurred when a small amount of ritually pure oil used to light the temple’s menorah lasted for eight days, far longer than expected. This enduring light has become a symbol of the holiday, celebrated with nightly candle lighting, prayers, and traditional foods such as latkes—potato pancakes fried in oil.
Hanukkah is observed according to the Hebrew month of Kislev, which generally falls in November or December. Each night, families light one additional candle on the menorah, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The practice, rooted in tradition, is both a spiritual observance and a commemoration of history.
Hanukkah in Ukraine
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the first night of Hanukkah by lighting the inaugural candle of a menorah in Kyiv. The ceremony, held at Europe’s largest menorah in Independence Square, was attended by a delegation of rabbis, including Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminetsky.
During the event, Rabbi Kaminetsky delivered a poignant message: “The battle between light and darkness continues. Thanks to you, the axis of evil is becoming much weaker, and we will soon defeat it. We light these candles and hope that the Almighty will help us, bringing miracles soon.”
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s Jewish community for their support and prayers during a challenging time for the nation. He emphasized Ukraine’s unity and its commitment to overcoming darkness with light. Zelenskyy also highlighted the significance of the menorah used during the ceremony, a gift from Argentine President Javier Milei, presented during Hanukkah 2023.
Celebrations in Germany
Germany marked Hanukkah with a grand menorah-lighting ceremony at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate. Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal of Berlin’s Jewish community dedicated this year’s celebration to hope, calling attention to the ongoing plight of hostages held by Hamas. “This year, we want to send a message that we are not forgetting those still hidden in the dark tunnels of Hamas. We pray that by Sunday, December 29, the hostages will already be free,” he said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has attended Hanukkah ceremonies in recent years, shared his sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The Hanukkah menorahs in our cities represent hope in dark times. At the Brandenburg Gate, next to a Christmas tree, it symbolizes the irreplaceable role of Judaism in our society. Happy holidays to you all!”
