Hannukah Kavanot

We celebrate Hanukkah with our friends and family. But we know that Hanukkah is more than just the latkes, soufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts), and presents, so how do we remember our Jewish history? What is the message of Hanukkah that we want to give to our children? Below is a list of Hanukkah Kavannot (honor), of ways that we dedicate each night of Hanukkah to something important. As a family read the list of suggestions and discuss how you can bring this into your Hanukkah celebration. 

Hannukah Kavanot

1st Candle

One solitary candle dances on the Hanukkiah tonight, while the empty candle holders are pregnant with possibility. On this first night, in addition to our Hanukkah blessings, we sing theShehecheyanu - a thank-you to God for supporting us, sustaining us, and helping bring us to this day. How can you and your family add more Shehecheyanu moments into your everyday lives?

2nd Candle

Two flames flicker next to each other, the darkness of winter penetrated by a little more light than yesterday. Their duet of illumination is still kindled by the Shamash (helper) candle, making a total of three flames tonight. How can you and your family help bring more light to others?

3rd Candle

Two sages once debated the appropriate way to light the Hanukkah candles: Do we start with eight and subtract one each day, or start with one, adding an additional candle each night? Our tradition sided with the latter, stating the principle “that in matters of holiness (Kodesh) we only ascend and never descend.” How can this Festival of Lights inspire you and your family to take on more Mitzvot?

4th Candle

Our Hannukiyot traditionally have their candle holders all in a row; this is so we can see each and every individual flame, and not have it look like one undefinable fire. As we are half-way through this holiday, we understand now how jumbled all these candles can appear. So, too, our lives; we busy ourselves and we distract ourselves from seeing real truths. The message of the holiday goes far beyond candle placement: How can we add more clarity, distinction, and individuality to our own lives? How can these defining characteristics still bring our families closer together

5th Candle

During Hanukkah, we add a section of praise to our liturgy during the Amidah: Al haNissim(“Regarding the Miracles”) - “We thank You for the miraculous deliverance, for the heroism, and for the triumphs in battle of our ancestors in those days, and in our own time.” It is easy to reflect on the miraculous elements of Hanukkah - the oil, the victory of the few over the many - and yet neglect the miracles in our own time. Albert Einstein famously quipped that there are two ways to view the world: as if nothing is a miracle, or as if everything is a miracle. What miracles do you experience? How can you pay closer attention to them? How can you help share those miracles with others?

6th Candle

Our Hanukkiyot, now shining bright with six candles, are meant to be placed near a window or  public space, so we can engage in the mitzvah of Pirsumei haNisa - “Publicizing the Miracle.” It’s not enough that we share the light with just our families; we are meant to truly be a “Light unto the Nations.” How will you help publicize the miracles? In what ways can you help bring the miraculous to others?

7th Candle

Hanukkah translates to "rededication," a historic reminder of the time when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem from those who wished to defile it. The history of the festival instills a sense of pride in Jewish identity, that regardless of the surrounding culture’s influence, we are unique, special, and sanctified by our Judaism. Our Hanukkiah is nearly full; this penultimate night reminds us that despite the force of the glow emanating from these seven beautiful candles, there is still room for growth. How can you and your family find even greater significance in your Jewish identities?

8th Candle

Our Hanukkiah is finally full! Eight flames dancing on candles; a ninth, the shamash, stands just a bit taller. The shamash is a little removed from the rest; an elevated helper bringing more light into the darkness. Our dreidels have been spun, our gifts exchanged, our latkes and sufganiyot devoured. After eight crazy days, ending just at the cusp of another faith’s winter holiday, may we all take the light with us into the new year. May we all remember that this Festival of Lights is about presence, not presents, about pride not inferiority, about strength in who we are and not weakness of who we are not. Above all, as we simply sit and enjoy the illumination of a complete Hannukah lamp, the brightness should permeate every crack and crevice of our personal, familial, and societal lives, shining brightly on a world that is, inspiring us to strive to create the world that ought to be.