Jewish families that celebrate Hanukkah have special traditions. I love the word “tradition” because it is an accounting of long, established customs and beliefs passed on through one’s family from generation to generation.

Typically, one’s belief system and core values are based on family teachings. Our parents and grandparents pass their wisdom down to us, and we, in turn, pass a combination of multigenerational traditions on to our children and grandchildren.

My own family’s Hanukkah traditions stem from the teachings of my paternal grandfather, Paul Lang. Though a man of few words his influence was mighty. From the time I was a little girl until I became a wife and mother, every time I walked inside the chapel of the synagogue, named after my family, I knew my grandfather, a Talmud scholar, would be sitting in the first seat in the second row. I knew he would read passages from the Torah and I knew I would be proud.

Over the years of spending traditional holidays with my family I grew to realize the importance of tradition. Hanukkah was one of my favorites because the theme allowed me to feel a great connection and pride to my Jewish heritage.

The Story of Hanukkah

Over twenty-one hundred years ago, the land of Israel was dominated by Syrian Greeks who sought to institute their Greek culture on the people of Israel. When Jews were prohibited from practicing their own religion, a small band of faithful Jews, the Maccabees, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth and drove the Greeks from the land. Ultimately, they reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and re-dedicated it to the service of God. The Wailing Wall in the old city of Jerusalem is the physical remains of that temple today.

By driving out their oppressors and rededicating the Temple, they preserved Jewish traditions and identity at a time when both were under threat. Hanukkah celebrates this remarkable achievement and the commitment to keeping one’s faith alive even in the face of overwhelming odds.

This miracle became the spiritual counterpart to the military victory. The Maccabees’ triumph showed the strength and determination of the Jewish people, while the menorah’s lasting light symbolized hope, faith, and God’s presence during difficult times.

Click here to watch Mort Klein of ZOA Discusses the Real Meaning of Hanukkah.

The Light That Lives On

As a proud Jewish woman, I can envision the victory and the miracle. The victory represents the physical survival of the Jewish people and the enduring light of their traditions. As a little girl, lighting the menorah, sharing familiar foods with my large family, and retelling the Hanukkah story strengthened my faith.

My grandfather passed his love of Judaism and Jewish traditions on to me. I have passed them on to my daughters and grandchildren. For that reason alone, I love the word “tradition.” It is an accounting of the customs and beliefs my family relies upon to this day.

Lighting the Menorah Around the World

Jewish families around the world celebrate the tradition of Hanukkah in the month of December. The word “Hanukkah” in Hebrew means “dedication.” Hanukkah is a joyous and religious holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. During the celebration of Hanukkah, with parents, grandparents and children in tow, families light their menorahs every night when the stars appear. A menorah is a large candelabra that holds nine candles. The central candle, or Shamash, sits either slightly higher or lower than the other eight candles. For eight nights in a row, the Shamash is used to ignite an additional candle. By the last night of Hanukkah, every candle is aglow.

When we light our candle we say the following blessing:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments (the ten commandments) and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

Today’s Hanukkah Reflections

As I sit in my condo in the sky, I am thinking about how deeply my soul and my values dictate my life. I will always be a small-town Jewish girl from Kankakee by the Sea. You can take the girl out of the small town, but you can never take the small town out of the girl. My Ultimate Concierge loves this about me. And after living many decades, I believe I am lucky to be that small-town girl.

Why? Because when you mix small-town values with a worldly life, one that I have been fortunate to live, you never lose your grounding or your soulfulness. If I were asked to define myself with one word, I would say this: I am a grounded woman.

A Grounded Woman

A grounded woman loves the light by staying firmly connected to who she is, while still reaching for what inspires her. She understands her values, her boundaries, and her purpose. She knows where she comes from, and she honors it. At Hanukkah, a grounded woman shows her love of light by honoring her history, her resilience, and her identity. In loving the Hanukkah light, she remains rooted and proud of her Jewish heritage.

It is with this grounding, and this pride, that I am honored to share something very meaningful with you. I have been asked to light one of the Hanukkah candles on the large menorah at Daley Plaza in Chicago on Tuesday evening, December 16. There will be a gathering of Chicagoans and dignitaries, and I will proudly represent the Zionist Organization of America as a National Board Member and the founder of its new Women’s Leadership Division.

Hanukkah Light

As I look out my window at the sun setting over Lake Michigan, I once again find myself returning to a word I deeply love: light. Light is often spoken of as something that overcomes darkness. In Judaism, light is more than that. It is a symbol of faith, hope, and determination. It is a reminder that even in moments of hardship, there is always a path forward.

I recently received an email that touched me so deeply that I shared it with my children and grandchildren. And now, I feel compelled to share it with you. Alana Newhouse writes simply and powerfully:

Fight For the Light: You are here, now, for a reason.

Sometimes, we all want to run away from the challenges of life. The Torah (Bible), as interpreted through Chassidic Judaism, offers us wisdom in those moments. Newhouse cites an inspiring teaching shared by Chabad Rabbi Mendel Mintz of Aspen. It speaks to a pattern we see again and again in Jewish history:

There’s a pattern in Judaism/Torah. A pattern we don’t always want but we always need.

When G-d wanted to make David a king… He didn’t give him a crown. He gave him Goliath.
When He wanted to make Joseph a leader… He didn’t give him a palace. He sent him to prison.
When G-d wanted to elevate Moses – he didn’t give him a stage, he gave him decades in the wilderness.
When G-d wanted to make Esther a queen, (in the Purim story), he gave her a crisis and Haman.
When G-d wanted the Temple restored – he did not give the Maccabees an easy path – he sent them the Greek army.

Time and again, we see:

G-d doesn’t elevate people through ease, rather through struggle. Because it’s not despite the challenge that we rise. It’s through it. That’s how the human spirit is made and rises higher. We don’t know what the new year will bring. But we do know this:

We were not born for comfort.
We were born for meaning.

We weren’t placed in this world to hide from its problems — we were created to illuminate and solve them. And if, this year, you find yourself walking through a wilderness… or standing before your own personal or professional Goliath… Remember: that’s not a detour from your destiny. That is your calling.

Fight for the Light. You are here, now, for a reason.

Joyous Hanukkah Traditions

The joyous part of the Hanukkah tradition is also wonderful. I love this time of family togetherness, sharing of fun gifts, and singing of songs. Many families play games-like the traditional ‘dreidel’ or top game, light the Chanukah candles, and eat delicious foods cooked in ‘oil.’ Darling, keep reading. Below, I’ve included my recipe for one of my favorite traditional Hanukkah recipes, a potato latke!

This year, on the first night of Hanukkah, our huge and wonderful, blended family will be separated by thousands of miles. But none of us will be alone:  While Shelly and I will be lighting our menorah, we can take comfort in the fact that the Arizona, Indiana, Texas, New York, Idaho, and other California clans will light their menorahs with their families tonight as well.

During the celebration of Hanukkah, I can’t help but recall the happy memories with my grandfather and large family, celebrating Hanukkah in Kankakee by the Sea, at the Hotel Kankakee, lighting the traditional menorah and eating potato latkes.

Delicious Hanukkah Traditions

A latke is a potato pancake that is fried to a pleasant crisp and served with applesauce and sour cream. It is truly a delightful and delicious Hanukkah tradition.

First, a few pro tips to making this traditional Hanukkah food:

1. A starchy potato=a crispy latke. Buy russet potatoes.
2. Use a box grater to grate the potato and onions, NOT a Cuisinart.
3. As you grate the potato, place it immediately in a large bowl of ice water to keep the potato from turning brown.
4. After grating, squeeze the water completely out of the potatoes. This is key!
5. Use only egg whites, not egg yolks. Yolks make the latke cakey in texture.
6. Do not use inexpensive oil. Olive oil is the best and gives a better flavor.
7. Do a sizzle test in your pan with a half-inch of oil. When a shred of potato immediately sizzles, the pan is ready for cooking.
8. Do not freeze or refrigerate latkes.
9. If you make them in the morning, place the latkes in a baking pan in your oven on high for a few moments to heat them. 
10. Be prepared!

My Special Latke Recipe

Darlings, Happy Hanukkah! This recipe is for everyone to enjoy, whether your family tradition includes the celebration of Hanukkah, or not. I wish all my readers and your families a very happy Hanukkah! And, to my grandfather, Paul Lang, who I believe looks down on me from heaven- I love you and thank you for your wisdom. Amen

What special Hanukkah traditions does your family include in your celebrations? I’d love to hear about it!