Rabbi Mark Zimmerman's Chanukah Message for 2024

For our Chanukah holiday issue, we invited members of our community to share their responses.

“When we gather to kindle our Hanukkiah this year, the flames will have a powerful significance beyond just their warm glow. They will remind us not only of the ancient miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, but of the enduring spirit of the Jewish people—an ancient resilience that has withstood the test of time. This festival is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of how we managed, through our tenacity and courage, to rise above any challenge and persevere.

Over the last four millennia, we faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Our history records the horrors of past persecutions, yet we remain a people deeply connected to our roots and unyielding in our spirit. Like the Maccabees who stood up to powerful adversaries, each generation has somehow found strength within itself to carry the torch of Jewish survival and Jewish pride forward.

While the miracle of the oil may be the focal point of the holiday, it is impossible to overlook the bravery and determination of the Maccabees. They remind us that even a small group armed with faith and perseverance can overcome far greater forces. The Maccabees also understood that their strength was not just in physical numbers but in their unity, their faith, and their sense of shared purpose. This understanding holds true for us as well, because when we support one another, we know that we don’t stand alone.

So, our celebration of Hanukkah should serve to remind us that when facing challenging times, retreat or fatalism is never the answer. The lights of the Hanukkah menorah symbolize our resilience. They are a reminder that the Jewish spirit cannot be extinguished.

As we light our hanukkiah this year may its light inspire us. Let it remind us to be strong and resolute, to support one another, and to live our Jewish identity with joy, with pride and with resolve. Just as the Maccabees overcame their adversaries, may we continue to overcome the challenges of our own time with courage and conviction, honoring our legacy and ensuring a bright future for generations to come.”

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman is the senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody.