Celebrate a Messianic Hanukkah

Hanukkah is more than eight nights of candles and tasty fried food. In John 10:22, we actually see Yeshua in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication — yes, He celebrated Hanukkah. That already makes this festival pretty special.

The story goes back to 165 BC, when the Maccabees took back and cleaned the Temple after it had been defiled under Greek rule. Tradition says there was only enough pure oil for one night, but it lasted eight, long enough to prepare more. Whether the miracle happened exactly like that or not, it shaped the Hanukkah we know today: lighting the hanukkiah, eating sufganiot and latkes, and remembering that God’s light still pushes back darkness.

In a Messianic context, it goes even deeper. The shamash candle. the servant light, reminds us of Yeshua, the One who gives us His light so we can shine in the world.

At our Hanukkah evening, we’ll light the hanukkiah together, enjoy the classic foods, and yes… there will be dreidel spinning. Come try it; it’s harder than it looks!

Additional information:

• Children are welcome; please let us know in advance if you’re bringing any.

• Costs: Free

• Membership: Your first SMJA event is always open, no membership needed. After that, we kindly ask you to become a member or associate member. More info here: https://www.smja.ch/members