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Hanukkah

Home Living Humanistic Judaism Celebrate Holidays Hanukkah

Hanukkah, which means “rededication,” is based on the historical events of Judah Maccabee and his followers successfully resisting the imposition of Greek culture and religion, and the resulting rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It was overlaid onto the solstice celebrations of ancient people.

For Humanistic Jews, Hanukkah is a celebration of human courage, integrity, and hope. The success of the Maccabee’s revolution was not due to pious pleas or tearful entreaties, but by decisive action, expert planning, and sheer guts. Humanistic Jews view Hanukkah as an opportunity to celebrate the courage of ancient and modern day heroes.

Humanistic Jews light candles on a traditional hanukkah menorah (hannukiah), but we recite words that are inspiring and meaningful for our lives today.

A Humanistic Hanukkah Candle-Lighting

As we light our Hanukkah candles, let us say:

Barukh haor baolam.

Barukh haor baadam.

Barukh haor baHanukkah.

Blessed is the light of the world.

Blessed is the light within humanity.

Blessed is the light of Hanukkah.

Download “The Eight Lights of Hanukkah,” a contemporary reading of the symbolism behind each candle, here (PDF).

Latest on Hanukkah
12.28.2024
Hanukkah – A Celebration of Light

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12.19.2023
Maccabees, Military History, and Me

This article was originally published in the Fall 2020 issue of Humanistic Judaism Magazine. 

Read more

12.12.2023
History of The Hanukkiah

Rabbi Jeffrey Falick of The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit shares the history of the Hanukkiah. The transliteration from Hebrew to English

Read more

Read all Hanukkah entries

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Humanistic Judaism Makes Life Better

Thankfulness and mindfulness without dogma. Faith in our fellow people. Modern meaning in ancient traditions. Using only the words that match our beliefs. Humanistic values of equality, honesty, and integrity. Good food. Jewish humor. Links to a fascinating history and peoplehood. Support from like-minded sojourners. Powerful lifecycle events. Rituals to keep us grounded. Rich cultural heritage. Fun holidays. Connection to the natural universe. Ethical values in action. Bringing light through learning and laughter. AND… celebrating our full diversity, including Jewish, Jew-ish, not yet Jewish, never gonna be Jewish; atheist, agnostic, secular, humanist, freethinker, spiritual-not-religious; in-married, intermarried, interculturally married, single, divorced, nontraditional, polyamorous; multiracial, people of color, all heritages and backgrounds; people with and without disabilities and neurodiversity; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, heterosexual, nonconforming; and all who come in kindness and sincerity!

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