For eight nights, usually in the middle of December, Jewish families gather around the menorah, lighting the candles as the smell of frying latkes fills the house. Many families place the menorah in the window, facing the light to the outdoors. This tradition of celebrating Hanukkah has been around for more than 2,000 years, but it manages to still feel new each year.
“The meaning of lighting the Hanukkah lights is really about remembering something from long ago, but also saying that it still matters today,” said Rabbi Daniel Gropper of Community Synagogue of Rye, who has been with his congregation for the last 23 years.
Hanukkah marks the time when the Maccabees fought back against the Assyrian Greeks, who had banned Jewish practice, Gropper said. It was a small group standing up for their right to be themselves, which historians say might be the first recorded fight for religious freedom.
Then there’s the famous story about the oil: when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem, they found just one tiny jar of pure oil, enough for one day, but it lasted for eight. “It’s a legend,” Gropper said, “but the message is still meaningful. The whole idea of Hanukkah is to publicize the miracle, which is why menorahs are placed in windows, letting the light shine outward for anyone walking by to see.”
That small act can feel especially powerful today. With antisemitism rising around the country, putting a menorah in the window has become more than just a holiday custom. “In some ways, it’s an act of courage,” Rabbi Gropper said. “It’s saying: I’m proud to be Jewish. I’m still here.”
A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, has nine candles: eight for the holiday and one “helper” candle called the shamash. On the first night (Dec. 14 this year), one candle is lit; the next night, two; and so on until all eight are glowing. (Fun fact: this is why Hanukkah candle boxes always have 44 candles.) Families say a couple of blessings as they light them, including a special one on the first night about gratitude, praising God for giving and sustaining life.
After the candles are lit, traditions often continue in the kitchen and living room — playing dreidel, singing songs, and eating foods fried in oil: potato latkes, jelly-filled sufganiyot (or donuts), and whatever else people are inspired to drop into a frying pan. While gifts are a fun addition to the holiday, the heart of Hanukkah is the menorah and the light it represents.
Menorahs themselves come in every style you can imagine — sleek and modern, traditional and ornate, playful, handmade, metal, ceramic, glass. Many families use the same menorah year after year, while others collect new ones or pick designs that reflect their personality or heritage. The Judaica shop at Community Synagogue offers several different styles.
In the darkest time of the year, the menorah reminds people that light has a way of showing up, even when it doesn’t seem like there’s enough to go around. “Lighting the menorah is a way of saying there is still hope, still meaning, still light,” Gropper said. “Even in dark times, we keep adding more.”
Here are some nearby public menorah lightings:
Community Synagogue of Rye: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Families with young children are invited to a Hanukkah party that includes a concert, menorah candle lighting, food, and other activities (music, games, face paint, balloon animals). Registration required at comsynrye.org/chanukah-party.
Hommocks Park Ice Rink in Mamaroneck: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. The Westchester Jewish Center will hold a menorah candle lighting at the rink. Come early for open skating, then join the candle lighting ceremony followed by donuts and latkes.
Gateway Port Chester: Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Ben Goldberg of Congregation KTI will lead a menorah candle lighting at Gateway shopping center (near ULTA).
JCCMW Community Menorah Lighting with Hannukah Handstands: Thursday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m. At JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale, a team of gymnasts will form a human menorah using strength, balance, and breathtaking handstands for each night of Hannukah (plus the shamash!).
Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome for Shabbat services that will begin with lighting the menorah candles.
