Hanukkah is a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks, winning the Jews religious freedom. Celebrated during some of the darkest days of the year, it brings (literal and figurative) light and joy to the cold season.
The lights of the menorah serve as a reminder that despite the darkness of the world, there is hope that with each positive action we can create a brighter, stronger and more resilient world. Here are eight hopeful quotes to get you in the holiday spirit.
Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness. -Anne Frank
Hanukkah is about the freedom to be true to what we believe without denying the freedom of those who believe otherwise. It’s about lighting our candle, while not being threatened by or threatening anyone else’s candle. -Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
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Let the straight flower bespeak its purpose in straightness – to seek the light.
Let the crooked flower bespeak its purpose in crookedness – to seek the light.
Let the crookedness and straightness bespeak the light. -Allen Ginsberg
We light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible. -Nachum Braverman
Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame. Blessed is the flame that burns in the secret fastness of the heart. -Hannah Senesh
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. -Leonard Cohen
A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness. -Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
For You light my flame; God illuminates my darkness. -King David
Explore Hanukkah’s history, global traditions, food and more with My Jewish Learning’s “All About Hanukkah” email series. Sign up to take a journey through Hanukkah and go deeper into the Festival of Lights.
