In the United States, the Jewish community is embracing Hanukkah this year as a symbol of enduring strength and resilience. This sentiment is particularly poignant in light of the challenges Israel faces and the increasing instances of antisemitism reported nationally. Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the managing director of the Coalition of Jewish Values, shared his insights on the significance of this festival.
Rabbi Menken reflected on the historical roots of Hanukkah during a recent interview. He explained that the holiday commemorates the struggle of a small group of devout Jews against Greek invaders who sought to impose their ways on the Jewish homeland. This conflict culminated in a remarkable Jewish victory, which included both the temple’s purification and the miraculous endurance of the temple’s oil for eight days.
Hanukkah, an eight-night celebration that begins this Thursday evening, marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century B.C. This event followed the liberation of the temple from foreign occupiers by a band of Jewish warriors.
In New York City, Jews are currently being advised to avoid displaying menorahs in their windows due to fears of being targeted by those who oppose Israel. Rabbi Menken described this precaution as “outrageous,” yet emphasized the importance of understanding historical context.
The menorah, traditionally lit in each household and placed in a visible location, serves as a symbol of God’s light reaching all nations. Rabbi Menken mentioned historical texts that provide guidance for celebrating Hanukkah under oppressive conditions, including the allowance to place the menorah on a table if necessary, to maintain the holiday’s observance.
Rabbi Menken also expressed concern over the perception that celebrating Hanukkah could be seen as taking a political stance in the ongoing conflict, questioning how anti-Israel sentiment could be disentangled from antisemitism.
He further commented on a recent congressional hearing and statements by university presidents regarding the rise of antisemitism on campuses. The focus was on University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill’s response to inquiries about whether advocating genocide violates school policy.
Magill’s online video statement, in which she reframed the issue as a matter of free speech rather than directly addressing the advocacy of genocide, drew criticism. Rabbi Menken, agreeing with calls for her resignation, pointed out that her statement lacked a clear condemnation of genocide advocacy as targeted harassment of minorities. He emphasized the absurdity of tolerating such extreme views under the guise of free speech.
