Nine Crazy Nights?

Outside the Land of Israel, we add an extra day to several holidays. Michael Kurin wonders: why not on Hanukkah?

Darkness We Have Come to Dispel: Between The Light of Hanukkah and the Black...

Mois Navon explores what makes Hanukkah so special.

Playing Dreidel with Kafka and Rabbi Nahman

Joey Rosenfeld takes Kafka and Rav Nahman for a spin, on their timely drey-ing of the tops!

Hanukkah or Hanoch-ah: Illuminating the Origins and Trajectory of an Apocalyptic Holiday

In his latest for the Lehrhaus, Aton Holzer sheds light on the hidden roots of Hanukkah–exploring the political and theological meaning of the holiday from the Second Temple period through the Talmud.

The Making of “Lights”

Shmuel Klitsner's insider perspectives on making a Hanukkah classic.

On Candlelight

Media culture scholar, Matt Sienkiewicz, reflects on the Maccabeats phenomenon and the group's first viral smash.

Hanukkah: A Poem by Avrom Liessen

In his Yiddish poem "Hanukkah" (1932), Avrom Liessen poignantly recalled his early experience of the holiday. Dov Greenwood's vivid translation transports us into that wondrous world.

Darkness Will Envelop Me: A Meditation on Hanukkah

Dr. Devora Steinmetz offers a meditation on the significance of Hanukkah and darkness.

A Festive Song with an Unclear Message: Uncovering the Meaning of Maoz Tzur

Yaakov Jaffe delves into two possible themes of the song Maoz Tzur.

The Fourth Chapter of Avot as an extended reflection on Epicurean Philosophy

In the spirit of Hanukkah, Yaakov Jaffe offers an intriguing thesis tying together a series of Mishnayot in the fourth chapter of Pirkei Avot: they are all responding to various aspects of Epicurean philosophy.