Chanukah: Dedication and Education
December 2025 / Kisleiv 5786
In Hebrew, most words stem from 3-letter ‘roots.’ One Hebrew ‘root’ (חנך) sprouts several words referring to dedication and to education. These two concepts come together in one derivative word that we all know and to which we pay so much attention at this time of year – that word is Chanukah (חנוכה)!
Each concept individually holds great significance in both the historical story and in the everlasting meaning of Chanukah, as well as in their contemporary manifestations.
The dedication of the Chashmonai family – the Maccabees – to protect and preserve Judaism, the Jewish people as Jews, and their Jewish homeland and holy capital city of Jerusalem, was uncompromising and pure. This driving sense of dedication was followed by a specific act of dedication: despite overwhelming odds against the few Maccabees in battle with the huge Syrian-Greek army, the Maccabees achieved a miraculous victory, following which they immediately proceeded to purify and rededicate the Beit haMikdash (the holy Temple).
The education aspect of the word recalls its centrality to Judaism. Knowing of education as a major stronghold of Jewish identity and spirit, the enemy attempted to eradicate Judaism by forbidding the Jews from learning Torah, from studying Jewish law and practice, and from being educated and active in the ways of Jewish life and survival.
Chanukah joins these concepts in its celebration of the untiring dedication the Maccabees had to championing and perpetuating the people’s Jewish living and Jewish education. The rededication brought to light on Chanukah applies to both the physical (the Beit haMikdash, the land of Israel, etc.) as well as the practical and more spiritual (Torah and learning in their broadest sense). The wisdom-weighted dedication inherent in Chanukah has inspired chanukiyah kindlers in every generation with faith, courage, vision, and determination – to uphold Jewish life and living, educate our children, spread goodness and light, and preserve our people.
All this is not simply a reflection on our past. It applies to Jewish life and learning and living everywhere and always. When we light our Chanukah candles, it is my hope that each of us will channel our historic and inner Maccabee to face our world with Jewish pride, knowledge, confidence, and dedication, to bring its warm eternal light to our families, friends, communities, and people.
חג חנוכה שמח, חג אורים שמח -- Chag Chanukah sameiach, Chag Urim sameiach – happy Chanukah, happy Festival of Lights to each and all of you!
Rabbi Jonathan Pearl