While Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah) isn’t one of Judaism’s high holy days — in fact, it’s considered a minor festival by some — it’s embraced by many as it coincides with the typical “holiday season.” This year, for example, the first day of Chanukah falls on the same day as Christmas. Chanukah is a holiday marked by strong Jewish rituals and a sense of nostalgia, with customs like spinning dreidels, lighting the menorah, and enjoying classic dishes such as latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), and brisket.
It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of giving, particularly through tzedakah, a core value in Judaism. In the spirit of chesed (acts of loving kindness), many take the opportunity to support those in need through donation, Jewish volunteer opportunities and other acts of generosity reflected by the values of tzedakah in the Torah.
What Is the Meaning of Chanukah?
The Hebrew word for Chanukah means “dedication,” and the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a small group of Jewish fighters, led by Judah Maccabee, defeated the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who had sought to impose their religious beliefs and culture on the Jewish community. When Judah and his followers went to relight the temple’s menorah, they found only a single jar of purified oil — enough to last for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, enough time for more oil to be ritually purified.
Chanukah is a story of victory over oppression, and it celebrates the resilience of faith and Judaism core beliefs of faith and the importance of religious freedom.
When is Chanukah Celebrated?
Chanukah, also known as the “festival of lights,” is celebrated for eight days, starting on the 25th of Kislev — the ninth month in the Hebrew calendar. Since the Hebrew calendar is lunar, the dates vary each year on the Gregorian calendar, but Chanukah typically falls in late November or December.
Hanukkah traditions and customs
Chanukah is celebrated by lighting the menorah for eight nights, starting with one candle on the first night and adding an additional candle each night. The menorah is often placed in a window or doorway. Families recite blessings and sing traditional songs, as well as play with dreidels, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive foods, many of which are fried to honor the miracle of the oil.
Another important symbol of Chanukah is gelt, often seen today as chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil and used by children playing with dreidels. Gelt originally represented the coins minted by the Maccabees after their victory. It also recalls the tradition of giving money to support Jewish educators and the study of Torah. In modern times, the spirit of giving extends beyond gelt to include acts of tzedakah, which remain a significant aspect of Chanukah celebrations.
Hanukkah holiday traditions: Giving tzedakah (charity)
The holiday is a meaningful time to reflect on the long history of Jewish charity and give tzedakah to Israeli charitable organizations that help support Israel’s neediest. You can also get involved with Jewish charities in other ways that will enable you to embrace the spirit of Tikkun Olam, which translates to “repair the world.” Tikkun Olam motivates individuals to contribute to Judaism’s social impact, inspiring acts of charity and social justice that prioritize collective well-being and moral responsibility that include protecting Jewish poverty.
All Jews are obligated to engage in acts of Tikkun Olam and are encouraged to do so by Halacha (Jewish law)… as well as key religious leaders such as Lubavitch rebbes. Donating your time and money to charity is also a way to enrich your own life, providing a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
One such initiative is Colel Chabad’s Gett Chesed, which embodies compassion, one of many important Jewish values and beliefs, by alleviating loneliness for those in need. The program provides hot meals, social interaction, and packages containing menorahs and candles during Chanukah. It also offers essential services such as medication, home maintenance, grocery delivery, and assistance with physical activities, all aimed at supporting the well-being of individuals in the community.
The true meaning of Chanukah in Israel
Chanukah is also a time to reflect on current events in Israel, Much like the time of the Maccabees and the challenges faced in the era of the Second Temple, Jews today are once again confronting external threats to their safety and security. This difficult period calls for solidarity, support for Israel, and a renewed commitment to the spirit of kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh (All of Israel is responsible for one another) —the timeless value of shared responsibility, resilience, and unity that has shaped Jewish history for millennia. Colel Chabad is at the forefront of efforts to provide relief for the victims of the war through its Iron Sword initiative, which is part of Israel’s emergency response team.
Give With Colel Chabad
Founded in 1788, Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating charitable network in Israel. Over more than two centuries, it has become deeply embedded in the fabric of Israeli society, remaining responsive to the changing needs of the country’s most vulnerable populations. During Chanukah, a time of reflection and giving, Colel Chabad continues its mission of providing essential support to those in need, upholding the Jewish tradition of tzedakah and compassion.
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