Is “Advertising the Chanukkah Miracle” Safe Right Now?

Writer’s Note: There is only one “correct” way to spell the holiday this blog addresses and that is חֲנֻכָּה‎ or חֲנוּכָּה‎.  But, in transliteration, there are dozens of options.  My personal preference is Chanukkah. Some of the sources I will use have it translated differently. 

Since October 7th and the subsequent rise in JewHatred across the globe, I have been involved in many debates (and asked for my advice) on if Jews should hide their Judaism in order to keep safe by doing everything from removing mezuzot from their doorposts to refraining from wearing items of Jewish expression (jewelry, clothing, kippot) to changing obviously Jewish names on shared ride apps.   When first asked about doing this on Twitter (nope, not calling it X!), my first response was:

And then, something strange happened when I went to pack for a trip to NY for the week of October 23rd.  I realized that I was concerned about which of my string backpacks I would take for outing in Central Park Zoo – every one that I own is swag for a Jewish organization (#tragicallyJewish #ProfessionalJew).  I packed one knowing I could wear it backwards if I felt I needed to.  It concerned me to have my Judaism labeled across my back and I wouldn’t be able to see if danger was coming.  While at the zoo, I was able to identify many other Jews by their clothing (like tzitzit or kippot, or hats logo’ed to Jewish organizations or schools) and no one seemed to be bothering these folks.  And then a few days after I found myself at the UN with a huge crowd welcoming the families of hostages before they spoke – we stood for over an hour on the sidewalk with Jewish flags and singing Jewish songs.  We got a few nasty remarks from passersby but no violence.  And then it was time for me to get into an Uber with my new Israel flag and a sturdy sign that said “I Stand with Israel” and I panicked when my assigned driver’s name was Hussein.  So I found a way to hide these items under my coat before getting into his car.  So now I was guilty of this “hiding” – but is Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) more important then standing firm in identity expression?

The Talmud provides us a clear answer. The Talmud is the traditional source that informs us how and when to light our Chanukkah Menorahs (Channukiot). You can download the full text for lighting your Chanukiah here (you know, the “right to left” and “increase or decrease” debates). In the section following these debate (Talmud Shabbat 21b), is a commandment (a mitzvah) to advertise the miracle of Chanukkah by placing your Chanukkiah on your door step or in a window.  But also, a warning as to when NOT to advertise the miracle:

From this text, we can extrapolate that a huge rise in JewHatred (aka antisemitism) is just as dangerous as a government decree prohibiting the kindling of the lights (likely an assumed prohibition of practicing Judaism in any way). So what are we to do in a week on 25 Kislev/December 7 when we begin to celebrate the Festival of Lights? 

The first obvious answer is that if you live in an area where publicly telling the world you are Jewish and celebrating this holiday is even a slight possible danger, then don’t do it.  Light your candles in an internal room with no windows and protect yourself (your family).  But, I have another recommendation based on a true story out of Billings Montana in 1995.  A rise in White Supremacy caused an entire community to join in solidarity through a variety of actions for their minority neighbors (native Americans, Jews, African
Americans, and others). But the biggest show of solidarity came when a brick was thrown through a window of a Jewish family who had displayed a Chanukkah menorah decoration in their window.  (They were inspired by a story of a Danish King who was /falsely/ rumored to wear a yellow star on his clothes during the Shoah.)

Take five minutes and watch this story:
Not in Our Town.

So, instead of hiding YOUR Chanukkiah, maybe share this story with your neighbors, your police chief and other community leaders.  Consider creating a flyer like the one they used in 10,000 homes in Billings, Montana (this was actually a full-page of the Billings Gazette that families could cut out and use).  If you are a parent, ask your children’s PTO, (especially at secular private schools), sports teams, gymnastics, tutoring centers, theater groups, clubs, etc. to distribute to the other participants. If you aren’t a parent, consider what networks you are affiliated with that you could ask to stand by you during Chanukkah:  a professional organization, a meet-up group, a dining club, a volunteer group. Request for a show of solidarity so that you don’t have to hide your Judaism.

During Chanukkah of 2021, a national #ShineALight on Antisemitism initiative launched.  Content was curated for Jewish Educators to use in their classrooms, youth groups, student clubs, camp groups and early childhood centers about the connection to standing against antisemitism and the story of Chanukkah.  In addition, the team also curated Jewish parent resources and at-home activities for families with children of all ages.  New material has been added to both sites in subsequent years.

Sadly, this Chanukkah and joy is overshadowed by the darkness of the events of October 7 and the subsequent war – the hostages, the deaths of soldiers, the deaths and terror of civilians in Israel and Gaza.  And for most of us, the earth-shaking eruption of JewHatred across the Diaspora has left us feeling vulnerable at every turn.  We must protect ourselves and perhaps the best way to do that is to engage allies in solidarity. 

Chag Chanukkah Sameach

חַג חֲנוּכָּה שַׂמֵחַ

 חג אורים שמח

#BringThemHomeNow