Top Four Hillel Hanukkah Happenings
Hillels around the world rejoiced in the festival of light, even at a time when the world has been darker than usual. From Californa to Kyiv to Israel, students celebrated, grieved for those impacted by antisemitism and the Hamas-Israel War, and participated in acts of kindness to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah.
Here are how four Hillels celebrated Hanukkah this year:
1. University of Florida (UF) Hillel:
Hannukkiot for Hostages
On the first night of Hanukkah, fifty-five students lit 138 menorahs, each for one hostage held in captivity in Gaza.
Junior Alex Nelson said, “It was touching to see everyone come together to demand the release of hostages and spread light in a time of darkness.”
Grad student Hope Lerman agreed. She reflected, “In this dark tragedy our community is facing, there is not a more perfect time for Hanukkah. This event was so special because we have taken our historical story of perseverance and showed the world that we are here to do it again. I am so proud to be a part of lighting their way home!”
Hanukkah Party with Jewish Student Union
Over fifty Hillel students gathered for a celebration originally intended to be an outdoor bonfire, but the persistent Florida rain called for alternate plans. Event organizers quickly pivoted to create a fun, festive Hanukkah party inside complete with candle lighting, board games, dreidels, donut decorating, and other delicious foods.
“The JSU Hanukkah Party at UF Hillel was amazing!” beamed Aaron Fintz, Vice President of UF’s Jewish Student Union. “Students from all around the UF campus came together to celebrate Hanukkah. I believe this event was so successful as we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah during these tough times for the Jewish community. Enjoying a nice study break with a yummy bite was beneficial for all students who attended.”
2. University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Hillel:
Cooking Workshop with Jewish Food Society
Jewish students across Penn’s campus participated in a fun, hands-on Hanukkah celebration where they prepared and enjoyed three different non-Ashkenazi dishes and learned about the history and impact of Jewish foods from around the world.
3. Hillel Kyiv
“Grand Hanukkah” Performance and Celebration
Despite ongoing sirens, Hillel Kyiv and members of Hillel CASE from all over Ukraine came together to celebrate Hanukkah with a stage-worthy performance that retold the Hanukkah story and included a community-wide candle lighting ceremony. Hillel Kyiv worked tirelessly to ensure Hanukkah came alive for everyone. In these difficult times for Ukraine, Hillel Kyiv continues to be an important asset of the Jewish community life, providing crucial volunteer opportunities and programming.
Student Vlad Ivchenko voiced his appreciation to Hillel for organizing the Hanukkah celebration. “This is literally my first experience on stage.” he said. “I am so excited to be a part of Hanukkah together with my Hillel friends. It really makes me feel that there is life and miracles.”
4. Hillel Tel Aviv
Hanukkah Volunteerism
Students from Israel and across the globe—including Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Denmark and the United States—visited a nursing home in Tel Aviv to celebrate Hanukkah together. As part of the multi-generational celebration, students and residents shared stories, ate sufganiyot (Hanukkah doughnuts), and lit Hanukkah candles.