Story of Hanukkah

The truth about the Maccabees is a slippery one. National liberators or religious fanatics? Freedom fighters or terrorists? The truth depends on who's telling their story, and for what purpose.

Men and women who are grateful to God for daily miracles as well as extraordinary acts of salvation may subscribe to either of the stories of Hanukkah.

The menorah is a brand that stands for faith in the everlasting, for transcendental transformation and the power to reshape our fragmented world. And its light cannot be hoarded.

Dear Hanukkah, I love you, but I hate your cultural representation. I don't blame you. I know that your calendar slot dooms your loveliness.

For Jews, practicing our religion has never been as straightforward. Throughout history we have had to fight and die simply to observe our faith. Hanukkah represents a triumphant moment.

What do we have in common with Judah Maccabee? A potential for heroism. In an age when people question whether there really are heroes anymore, Hanukkah reminds us that there are always heroes.