Revised on 12/25/2024
Chanukah, meaning “rededication,” is celebrated as the Festival of Lights, a story rooted in miracles and perseverance. It offers timeless lessons for both historical reflection and modern-day inspiration.
A Little History Lesson
The Destruction of the Temple
In 168 B.C.E., the Syrian king sent his army to Jerusalem to destroy the Temple, the holiest place for the Jewish people. Confronted with the ultimatum to convert or die, the Jewish people faced a grave threat to their faith and way of life.
The Miraculous Victory
An underground Jewish army led by Judah Macabee defied the odds, defeating the far more powerful Syrian forces. Their victory was a miracle, allowing them to reclaim the Temple and begin its rededication.
The Miracle of the Oil
As part of their rituals, they lit the eternal light, the ner tamid, symbolizing G-d’s omnipresence. Despite having only enough oil for one night, it miraculously burned for eight days—the exact time needed to secure more oil. Today, every synagogue honors this miracle with its own eternal light.
Symbols of the Miracle
The Dreidel’s Hidden Message
Dreidels used during Chanukah feature Hebrew letters representing the phrase, “A great miracle happened here (poe)” in Israel or “there (sham)” outside Israel. These spinning tops remind us of the miracles that shaped Jewish history.
Applying the Lessons of Chanukah
Chanukah teaches us the power of rededication. Just as the Jewish people rededicated the Temple, we can reflect on areas in our lives that need renewed focus and energy.
Rededicate Your GRATITUDE Practice
The Challenges and Blessings of Recent Years
The past few years have brought challenges but also countless blessings—what we call GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. These Wins remind us to count our blessings instead of our troubles and to search for everyday miracles.
Focus on Your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S.
Over the next eight days, reflect on your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. with these guiding questions:
- W: Who or what made a difference for me?
- I: How did I make the world brighter?
- N: How did I nourish my mind, body, or spirit?
- S: What made me smile or laugh until my sides hurt?
Write your reflections in a GRATITUDE journal so you can always look back on them.
Rededicate Another Area of Your Life
Beyond Gratitude
If you’re already consistent with your GRATITUDE practice, consider other areas that need rededication—exercise, nutrition, or financial health. Choose one and focus your energy there.
Be the Macabee of Your Story
Like the Macabees, you are a force to be reckoned with. Your perseverance and focus can create miracles in your life and inspire those around you. Let Chanukah guide you toward renewed dedication and brighter days ahead. And if you need a reminder, check out one of our fun Chanukah shirts!
