On Thursday, December 19, students and faculty gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which honors the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Members of the Jewish Cultural Club led the celebration, sharing the traditions of the menorah lighting ceremony. Participants learned about the significance of the menorah, the ritual of lighting the candles, and the prayers sung during the ceremony, each representing a step in this timeless tradition.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed playing dreidel, sampling latkes and other traditional foods, and listening to stories that highlighted the meaning of Hanukkah. Gathering as a group reflects the holiday’s theme of bringing light into the world—both literally and symbolically—offering a space for students of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and celebrate together