Before the Hamas war against Israel, the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, and yesterday’s shooting attack in Australia, I associated Hanukkah with triumph rather than despair. The eight-day festival, which began at sundown on December 14, was an opportunity to recognize Jewish perseverance and share Jewish light.
This year is different. While menorahs are ordinarily displayed outdoors in celebration, during times of danger the Talmud suggests kindling Hanukkah lights discreetly. Even without overt peril, mounting hostility toward Jews draws me inward and homeward. I prefer to stay indoors with my family, where the somber hymn of my childhood will echo more poignantly than the cheerful holiday prayer.
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