Hanukkah in the Napa Valley
By Kathleen Reynolds
Editor’s note: As Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated this year, its significance is magnified amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, stirring fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict. This festival, traditionally commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the miraculous endurance of the menorah's oil, now resonates with deeper themes of resilience and hope in tumultuous times. The lighting of the menorah, enjoying traditional foods, and playing games take on a poignant symbolism as families worldwide gather amid uncertainties. This year's Hanukkah is not just a reflection on historical struggles for religious freedom but a poignant reminder of the enduring desire for peace and stability in a region beset by ongoing strife.
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NAPA, Calif.— From Dec. 7 through Dec. 15, those in the Jewish faith celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of the Lights.
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, over the Syrian-Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. They reclaimed and rededicated the holy temple in Jerusalem to God. When they went to light the menorah, they found that there was only one day’s worth of oil that hadn’t been contaminated by the Greeks. They used this small amount of oil that miraculously kept the flame lit for eight days.
“Hanukkah is a family time of celebration about Jewish independence and illuminating their life in the past year,” said Rabbi Niles Goldstein of Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley.
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum of Chabad of Napa Valley characterizes Hanukkah as a multifaceted experience. The Chabad provides Jewish people, regardless of their affiliation, with love, education and assistance.
“Hanukkah is unique in that it marks a victory of a weak minority against a superpower,” said Tenenbaum. “The Greeks came to subjugate, take away and abuse Jewish people. It is also a fight for keeping Jewish traditions. It is both a physical and spiritual victory.”
The nightly ceremony that accompanies Hanukkah is lighting the menorah, which holds nine candles. The middle candle, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles. One candle is lit the first night and an additional candle is lit the next night. All eight candles will be lit by the eighth night of Hanukkah.
“Celebrating the miracle of the oil is spiritual devotion,” said Tenenbaum. “We light the candles at dusk, just as it’s becoming dark. The dark can be intimidating and Hanukkah comes at the time of year with the longest nights. The candles are small, which would seem to have a small effect, but every light we bring together to the world has significance.”
“We encourage many people to light the menorah, because we need to show light and goodness to each other. The menorah is universal in that it is shedding light on goodness and positivity.”
As it has for the past 18 years, a public lighting of the menorah takes place in downtown Napa at Veterans Park on Main Street. The public is invited to come and there will be latkes, donuts and crafts for the children. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 10 and is free to attend.
There are three additional celebrations in the community.
On the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a large menorah will be lit on the lawn in front of the Silverado Country Club mansion. The public is invited to enjoy cookies and other sweet treats, along with hot cocoa, coffee or tea and singing.
On Dec. 8, Congregation Beth Shalom will host a Hanukkah kick-off Shabbat (Sabbath) service and dinner. Members, children and the public are invited. The synagogue is located at 1455 Elm Street in Napa.
The third annual “Latke Throwdown” at the Bardessono Hotel and Spa is Dec. 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 6526 Yount Street, Yountville. The event will benefit ParentsCAN, a nonprofit agency assisting families of children with special needs in Napa County. A competitive group of contenders will be judged by a celebrity judges, including Rabbi Goldstein. Tickets are $20 each and can be reserved online through ParentsCAN in advance. At the event, Congregation Beth Shalom will manage a supplies drive for necessities from the ParentsCAN’s wish list for families in need.
In this special time with the country of Israel in crisis, Congregation Beth Shalom and Chabad of Napa Valley have participated in several events, including a vigil when the war started and a community gathering. Congregation Beth Shalom also held a Shabbat service with discussion groups talking about the big questions surrounding the war, including how to speak respectfully with those of different viewpoints.
“In general, we want people to realize there is a deep message within Hanukkah that’s not just about getting gifts,” said Tenenbaum. “It’s not just a holiday, but has the deeper meaning of spreading light to the darkest place.”
Especially because of the current conflict, Goldstein has a message for the community: “In this time of rising antisemitism, I call all Jews who live in the Napa Valley to come out, show themselves and support their fellow Jews.”
Kathleen Reynolds a Napa Valley-based journalist.