Hanukkah Reflections
Hannukah is a time that prompts reflection. Even though we celebrated the holiday a few months ago, sometimes my mind drifts back to it. Jewish children are taught the story of Hanukkah from a young age: how the Maccabees reclaimed the 2nd Temple and burned the last jar of Holy oil, which miraculously burned for 8 days straight. For me, thinking about the history of Hanukkah is a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people, both historically and currently. In the face of tragedy and struggle, we become more united than ever, and over the past few months I’ve seen that happen firsthand.
As a Jewish girl who goes to a public high school, there’s always been a certain amount of anxiety that I carry with me. I’ve seen swastikas drawn on bathroom stalls and classmates’ papers which the administration failed to act against or even acknowledge, so I feel like there’s a baseline level of stress that is with me every day. When October 7th struck, that baseline stress turned into fear. Despite the fact that Jewish people make up 10-20% of the student body, we, as a collective, had no idea how our classmates would react. However, I soon realized that it was the Jewish community’s response, not the schools’ response, that made the biggest difference for me.
When the schools’ administration sent out a vague email and barred teachers from talking about the war, the Jewish Student Union became more active and engaged than ever. When classmates reposted problematic things on Instagram, I witnessed friends initiate civil discussions and attempt to explain how the language they were using was antisemitic. Outside of my school, the greater Jewish community of Pikesville similarly came together to support itself and each other. Around the county, people made bracelets for hostages, mezuzahs to protect their families, and sufganyiot (jelly-filled donuts) to bring some joy into their homes. This sense of community has honestly made me feel safer than ever and has taught me that good things can come out of hardship. The word “Hanukkah” translates to “dedication” in Hebrew, and I think that the horrific events of October 7th have made the Jewish community more united and dedicated than ever.
That said, I know this is still an extremely stressful time of year for people, especially students. With final exams happening, college decision dates looming, and the Israel-Hamas war constantly in the back of people’s minds, it’s important to mentally check-in with yourself. Here are a few things you can do that can help ease the burden on your mind:
Take some time away from social media. The 24/7 outpouring of news can be really overwhelming, so setting away a few hours of time to separate yourself from the media can be helpful.
Get support from your community. For me, that means making time to attend my Jewish Student Union every week, checking up on my international friends, and volunteering to play with kids during Saturday-morning services. Being an active member in whatever community you’re a part of can make you feel understood and loved.
Find comfort in tradition. Whether that’s eating sweet dates during a Tu Bishvat seder or painting Easter eggs, traditions have a way of grounding us. They remind me that the long line of ancestors who came before found joy in the same ritual I do.
Write about how you’re feeling! Even if it’s just a brief 3-minute venting session, journaling about your feelings can help you manage anxiety and reduce stress.
In the face of rising antisemitism, daily stressors, and seasonal depression, it’s especially important to practice some self-care. A lot of people don’t realize that your community plays a big role in your mental well-being. In this challenging season, take the time to reflect on the role the communities you’re included in play in your life; you might be surprised to learn that you can find strength in unlikely places.
