The Israel-Hamas war won’t dim the meaning of the “festival of lights” for many Northwest Indiana Jewish families as they celebrate Hanukkah this week.
“It’s been interesting, since Oct. 7, there has been an uptick in people really engaging their Jewish practice,” said Rabbi Diane Tracht, of Temple Israel in Gary.
“I think that represents how important our traditions are for giving us hope in this time,” she said.
On Oct. 7, Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise invasion in southern Israel from the Gaza strip.
About 846 Israeli civilians and 416 soldiers and police died while about 240 Israeli and foreign nationals were abducted and taken back to Gaza.
Hamas’ leader said the attack was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at Al-Aqsa — the disputed Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount — increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and the growth of settlements.
The war just marked its two-month anniversary as the U.S. is drawn into trying to balance efforts toward peace amid stateside protests on both sides.
Lisa Giglio, of Gary, said this Hanukkah season has more meaning.
“It not only connects our community, but the community at-large.” She said about 15 non-Temple Israel members were expected Friday, the Jewish Sabbath.
A potluck dinner preceded the traditional lighting of menorahs and a prayer service led by Tracht.
Hanukkah, Hebrew for “dedication,” celebrates the retaking of a Jerusalem temple from Syrian Greeks by a small group of Jewish rebels called Maccabees at the end of the 2nd Century BC.
The Jews needed oil to light the menorah and rededicate the temple, but just had enough for one night. Yet, a miracle happened and the oil lasted for eight days, providing enough time to make more oil to keep the flame lit.
In Jewish homes, a candle is lit on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, which ends Friday.
Giglio, who has family in Israel, still has a menorah handed down from an aunt and one from her parents. Her collection has grown to about 30 menorahs, some her children made in preschool.
Since the Oct. 7 assault, she said the Gary synagogue has received support from Miller residents. “The Miller community is unique and we have to get along. It’s diverse, like a little United Nations here.”
With antisemitic violence on the rise in the U.S., synagogues including Temple Israel in Gary and Temple Israel in Valparaiso have heightened their security.
“We have alarm systems in and out and good neighbors,” said Giglio. “We’re in a residential neighborhood. We hire Gary police officers for our events.”
In Valparaiso, Rabbi Shoshana Feferman led a Friday Hanukkah celebration with similar festive dinner and prayer worship trappings.
Feferman said the holiday has stronger relevance this year.
“Hanukkah is about the victory of light over darkness. It’s about the few who fought and beat the many who were armed. It’s about freedom of religion,” she said.
“Hamas is the darkness in the way they behave. The light will take over, and bring peace and hope.”
Back in Gary, Rabbi Tracht said synagogue members engaged in a roundtable discussion about the war before they broke bread.
“Our prayers may be more fervent,” she said. “We’re still praying for the same thing. For me, I’m connecting to what hope feels like …”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
