Children's Hospital Boston Hanukkah Celebration

Rabbi Susan Harris lights the menorah in the Patient Entertainment Center at Children's Hospital Boston to kick off our observation eight-day Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, began on Dec. 1. Although the start date varies from year to year, in the Hebrew calendar it always falls on the 25th of the month of Kislev. Over 2,000 years ago, the ruler Antiochus Epiphanes IV forbade the essential practices of Jewish culture and religion in the land of Israel. A small band of ragtag Jewish worshippers took on the occupying forces that had defiled the Temple in Jerusalem, waging an uphill battle against dismal odds. After several years of intense struggle, this small army known as the Maccabees, prevailed, reclaiming and rededicating the Temple. Hanukkah commemorates that historic event.

It's no coincidence that Hanukkah occurs at the darkest time of the year. As the days grow shorter, the light shining from the menorah, each night increasing by one more candle, is a visible reminder that perseverance, faith and hope can shine through darkness.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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• Children's Hospital Boston
• Hanukkah
• Festival of Lights
• pediatrics
• Hospital
• kids
• Rabbi Susan Harris
• Menorah