Hanukkah celebrations commence as Israel-Hamas war reaches two-month mark

CHICAGO - The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah started on Thursday night. 

The eight-day celebration comes as the Israel-Hamas war hits the two-month mark.

Hanukkah has taken on a new meaning this year for many in the Chicago Jewish community.

"I think many of us are struggling with and asking how joyous can I feel this year when our hearts are so heavy. I would say search for the joy, find the joy, find the light, and be the light," said Rabbi Reni Dickman, senior Jewish educator at the Jewish United Fund (JUF).

There were two menorahs at the JUF celebration.

Rabbi Dickman says the second menorah is for the hostages that have no voice.

"We are their voice, and we are trying to make sure that their names and their faces stay at the forefront of everyone’s minds until every single one of them is brought home," said Rabbi Dickman.

"I am also hoping that what this candle lighting stirs up is feelings of solidarity, and feelings of urgency and necessity whether you’re Jewish or not," said Ashley Bohrer, with Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago.

In Federal Plaza, people crowded around dozens of menorahs and candles.

There was some strong emotion as they lit each flame and as some speakers demanded change.

"Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza is a human rights atrocity, and those of us who are with Jewish Voice for Peace, who are with Tzedek and many other organizations across Chicagoland are here to call of Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin’s office, pleading with them to call for a ceasefire," said Bohrer.

Even though the conflict has changed celebrations this year, Rabbi Dickman says the true meaning of Hanukkah stays the same.

"The miracle of the light in the temple that lasted for eight days and reminds us that we can find strength in community and each one of us has the ability to bring light to this world," said Rabbi Dickman.