The True Light of Chanukah

While the narrator tells the story, an artist draws the scenes in this video, The True Light of Chanukah.

The words and the drawings summarize the complex history of the long war against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and the Maccabean Revolt (167–141 BCE), making what happened easy to understand.

The miracle of light begins around 164 BCE, when the Maccabees captured Jerusalem and eventually cleansed and re-dedicated the Temple Altar on 25 Kislev. There was only enough oil to light the Temple menorah for one night, but miraculously, the oil lasted eight nights.

This miracle is celebrated by the annual Festival of Lights (‎Ḥag HaUrim, חַג הַאוּרִים). 

This video connects the physical menorah light to the story of Yeshua who is described as the spiritual “Light of the World” (John 8:12). That same text shows Yeshua celebrating the Festival of Lights (or Feast of the Dedication) at the Temple (John 10:22-23), continuing the annual tradition of Chanukah/Hanukkah by sharing light, through his words and through miracles.

This video invites viewers into the hopeful glow cast by menorah lightings; it also encourages reflections on physical and spiritual lights inspired by but found outside the clip itself. 

For example, one way of referring to Psalm 30 is as “the Song of the Dedication of the House” (שיר חנכת הבית‎, the "Song of Ḥănukkāt HaBayit”). This Psalm/song is traditionally recited on Chanukah/Hanukkah. Within the book of Psalms, its number 30 is the sum of the numerical day of Kislev (25) plus the Books of Torah (5), for a total of 30. Just as the menorah physically illuminates spaces with lighted candles, the words of Psalm 30 spiritually illuminate spaces with words of light, re-consecrating them each year.

In human terms, the menorah lights were impossible around 164 BCE, because there was not enough oil; but miracles defy the impossible, spilling divine light into dark times.

Related Articles

More From Holy Days Videos

Six13 - A Star Wars Chanukah

Six13, a well-known musical group who has performed before millions including sitting US…
Six13 - A Star Wars Chanukah

Dance for Sukkot

Steve McConnell wrote the song below based on the premises in Deuteronomy 16 that Sukkot, also…
Dance for Sukkot
Ari Goldwag - Chanukah Light

Ari Goldwag - Chanukah Light

Artist: Ari Goldwag Song: Chanukah Light Album: The English Album Directed by: Jarrod Hurwitz…
Ari Goldwag - Chanukah Light
Tisha B'Av at the Western Wall

Tisha B'av at the Kotel

It is not unusual for the Jewish people by the tens of thousands to flock to the Western Wall…
Tisha B'av at the Kotel
Let it Go Frozen - It's Purim

Let it Go Frozen - It's Purim

It’s a Purim Song – Frozen. Feat. Nedavya Weinberg. Produced by Baumberg Films. Original Song…
Let it Go Frozen - It's Purim

Interactive Passover

Passover. Celebrate Passover with Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky and Beth-El Shalom. Commemorate Exodus,…
Interactive Passover

Because It's Rosh Hashanah!

David Sirull, a rabbi at the Adas Yeshurun Synagogue in Augusta, Georgia made a music video…
Because It's Rosh Hashanah!
Y-Studs - Rise Up

Y-Studs - Rise Up

Y-Studs - Rise Up - Hanukkah Sung by Y-Studs A Capella Group
Y-Studs - Rise Up

Corona Confession

A little humor by Joel Chasnoff in the midst of a pandemic.
Corona Confession

Days of Awe

During the time of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews and Christians alike flock to the Western Wall for…
Days of Awe
Hanukkah Lovin'

Hanukkah Lovin'

Michelle Citrin, listed on Time.com in its top ten list of New Jewish Rock Stars and on the…
Hanukkah Lovin'

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation