Ep. 17: What can we learn from the holiday of Hanukkah and the story of the Maccabees?

What if everything you thought you knew about Hanukkah was wrong? In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbis Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unravel the true story behind the Festival of Lights—revealing its messy origins, historical surprises, and the wild ways its meaning keeps evolving. Is Hanukkah really about fighting oppression… or is there much more below the surface? You’ll hear the rabbis candidly discuss childhood memories, Israeli traditions, the role of food (think sufganiyot and homemade beeswax candles), and why the holiday's symbolism differs so sharply between America and Israel.Key highlights include:The surprising roots of Hanukkah: Why the Maccabees’ story isn’t in the Bible—and why their zealotry may shock modern listeners.Hanukkah’s dual identity: How Zionist, secular, and religious communities reinterpret the holiday to suit their values.The tension between assimilation and tradition: How American Jews have transformed Hanukkah into a holiday of inclusion, and what that means for Jewish identity today.Personal anecdotes: From New York winter darkness to Israeli honey-sweet celebrations, and the powerful memory of lighting a Hanukkiah made from bullet casings in a military town.Honest conversations about changing rituals, the influence of Christmas, and what the next generation of Hanukkah might look like.With wit, warmth, and deep historical insight, this episode is both a celebration and a challenge: How do Jews stay rooted in tradition without losing relevance—or their distinctiveness—in a changing world? If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Hanukkah and reflect on what “Jewish continuity” really means, this discussion is for you.Episode Overview:[00:00:00] Introduction & Podcast Welcome[00:00:21] Hanukkah Childhood Memories and Family Traditions[00:01:28] Hanukkah in Israel: Sufganiyot, Candle Lighting, and Community Celebrations[00:02:57] Hanukkah as a Zionist Holiday & Massive Lego Hanukkiah[00:03:49] Hanukkah in New York vs. Hawaii: Seasonal Contrasts[00:05:36] Hanukkah’s Home-Based Traditions & Changing Rituals[00:07:03] The Real Story Behind Hanukkah: Civil War, Disorganized Religion, and Changing Narratives[00:08:12] The Hasmonean Ruins & The Drive for Jewish Continuity[00:10:37] Rededication, Sukkot Connection, and the Miracle Narrative[00:13:25] The Maccabees: Zealotry vs. Modern Reinterpretation[00:15:20] Hanukkah in the U.S.: Diversity, Inclusion, and Christmas Influence[00:16:12] The Maccabees as Enforcers? A Modern Comparison[00:17:08] Religious vs. Secular Observance: Miracle or Resilience[00:18:00] The Miracle of Light: Faith, Ritual, and Meaning[00:20:03] Hanukkah and Jewish Survival: Assimilation & Persistence[00:22:20] Tradition vs. Change: How Hanukkah Has Evolved[00:23:41] Ranking Jewish Holidays and Hanukkah’s Changing Status[00:24:55] How Shifting Priorities Shape Jewish Observance[00:26:30] The Next Generation: Hanukkah’s Bittersweet Future[00:29:33] History Moves in Cycles: Rediscovering Hanukkah’s Deeper Meaning[00:30:24] The Importance of Keeping Judaism Jewish[00:34:08] Hanukkiot of Bullet Casings: Military Memory and Jewish Identity[00:36:04] The Responsibility & Symbolism of Israeli Militarism[00:37:00] Closing Reflections and a Wish for a Joyful, Meaningful HanukkahTune in and discover the Hanukkah you never knew—and may never see the same way again.