DiscoverThe Kehillah RVA PodcastHanukkah Is Not What You Think It Is
Hanukkah Is Not What You Think It Is

Hanukkah Is Not What You Think It Is

Update: 2025-12-13
Share

Description

In this podcast, we challenge both the Americanized “Hanukkah as Jewish Christmas” approach and the backlash against it...Because Hanukkah’s story is far more complicated than either side admits.

Hanukkah is ultimately a blend of civil war memory, Temple rededication, rabbinic theology, and ancient seasonal tradition. That mix is what makes it meaningful.

So while we respect concerns about “Christmas-ifying” Hanukkah, we also accept that living in America means cultural blending. As long as we keep the story and rituals alive, we say: enjoy the aesthetics, light the menorah, and Hanukkah Sameach.

Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show

Support the show

🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
📲 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
📘 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Hanukkah Is Not What You Think It Is

Hanukkah Is Not What You Think It Is

KehillahRVA.org