בס”ד
The purpose of this class is to explain the relationship between Bnei Noach and Chanukah. A brief review of the story and the practical application of the holiday for non-Jews.
The Relationship Between Non-Jews and the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah
To explore this topic, we’ll divide it into two parts:
- The Story of Chanukah: A brief summary of the holiday’s key elements.
- The Relationship with Non-Jews: Can non-Jews celebrate Chanukah? If so, how?
Part 1: What is Chanukah?
The story of Chanukah takes place around 138-139 BCE when the Greeks controlled the land of Israel. They prohibited Jewish worship in the Temple and banned Judaism altogether. A small group of Jews, known as the Maccabees, revolted against the powerful Greek army. Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped, they achieved a military victory with God’s help and freed Israel from Greek control.
When the Jews recaptured the Temple, they found it desecrated and filled with idols placed there by the Greeks. They cleansed the Temple and sought to resume worship, including lighting the Menorah (the seven-branched candelabra).
The Miracle of the Oil:
The Menorah had to be lit with pure olive oil, but all the oil had been defiled by the Greeks. Only one small jug of pure oil was found, sufficient for just one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days — enough time to prepare new pure oil.
The Establishment of Chanukah:
The following year, the Jewish sages decreed that these miracles should be commemorated annually. We celebrate Chanukah by lighting candles for eight days, increasing the number each night (on a special eight-branched candelabra, the Hanukkiah). Special blessings are recited, and the holiday is marked with joy and specific customs, such as eating fried foods (e.g., latkes and sufganiyot) and sometimes dairy dishes.
In summary, Chanukah celebrates two miracles:
- The military victory of the Jews over the Greeks.
- The miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.
Part 2: What is the Relationship with Non-Jews?
1. Obligation:
Non-Jews are not obligated to celebrate Chanukah. This holiday is a rabbinic decree and not a commandment from the Torah. Non-Jews are not required to follow rabbinic decrees.
2. Voluntary Participation:
However, non-Jews may celebrate Chanukah if they wish. For example, they can light the candles on a Chanukiah. This should be done properly: lighting one candle on the first night, two on the second, and so on.
3. Restrictions:
Non-Jews should not recite the blessings that accompany the lighting of the candles. These blessings state that G-d “commanded us” (the Jews) to light the Chanukah candles. Since this commandment does not apply to non-Jews, saying the blessings would be inappropriate.
Part 3: The Message of Chanukah
Hanukkah contains universal messages that can be meaningful for both Jews and non-Jews:
- Growth in Service:
Each day, we add another candle. This teaches us to continuously grow in our service to G-d. Even if what you did yesterday was “good enough,” today you should strive to do more. - The Victory of Light Over Darkness:
Hanukkah emphasizes that light, goodness, and godliness always triumph over darkness and spiritual oppression. The Greeks were not necessarily opposed to intellectual wisdom (they appreciated the Torah as an intellectual document), but they rejected the idea that the Torah was divine. They wanted to separate G-d from knowledge. Hanukkah teaches that true wisdom and godliness are inseparably linked.
Conclusion
Chanukah commemorates the miracles of military victory and the oil. While non-Jews are not obligated to celebrate, they are welcome to participate respectfully by lighting candles without reciting blessings. The lessons of Hanukkah — such as striving for growth and the power of light over darkness — are universal and can be embraced by everyone.
A common greeting during Hanukkah is: “Chag Chanukah Sameach!” (Wishing you a joyful Chanukah!) entirely passive. Chanukah reminds us to always strive for more light, more growth, and greater holiness.
Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
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