Rose Doss

A/E Editor

Judaism encompasses several beautiful celebrations, history, and remembrances and centers around the importance of light. For many, the religion of Judaism focuses on not forgetting: not forgetting the past, rituals, and good deeds. 

   Many holidays are celebrated in the Jewish culture. One holiday that gets overlooked during the holiday season is Hanukkah. Hanukkah started with one lamp and an everlasting light. 

   “Hanukkah is celebrating the rededication of the ancient temple in Jerusalem,” English teacher Deborah Koerner said. “Syrian Greeks had conquered Jerusalem and had turned the temple into a temple for Zeus. There was a battle with a small tribe of people called the Maccabees, and they were a very small group of people who were able to defeat this huge Greek army. So, when they got the temple back, it was, in their eyes, defiled because it had Greek Gods, and Judaism is a belief only in one god. In the temple, there was an everlasting lamp, and it had oil in it that was only enough for one day. They sent people out to go get more oil, and it took them eight days to get back, and it lasted. So, that’s the circle of the oil.” 

   Light is an important aspect of Jewish culture. The significance of bringing light to the world also creates a time of self-reflection and time to be around others. 

   “The light is supposed to be remembering a miracle and the concept of rededication, a time to reflect, a time for family,” Koerner said. “You’re also supposed to have the menorah in a public place. You’re supposed to put it in a window; you’re not supposed to hide your light. You’re supposed to be sharing the light.” 

   Along with Hanukkah, many other holidays celebrate important cultural rituals and teachings.    

   “Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year, is supposed to be the birthday of the world,” Koerner said. “They tell the creation stories and go back to Genesis. That’s another holiday thinking about renewal. Ten days later is Yom Kippur, which is the day of atonement. You apologize for humanity to humanity; the concept that we’re all responsible.” 

   Judaism is a religion that focuses on reflection and repair of oneself and each other. 

   “There’s a concept in Judaism that’s called Tikkun Olam, which is to repair the world,” Koerner said. “That’s supposed to be our mEverission, to heal the world. If you see impoverished people, you’re supposed to help them, you look out for an environment, and you look out for each other.”

   Being Jewish is no small trait for Koerner; she carries her heritage and traditions with her for generations to come. 

   “Many people before have been killed for following their traditions,” Koerner said. “It’s scary, but I will step up to the plate and carry on with them, and not let the traditions die.”

   Judaism is a religion built on reflection and remembrance. Holidays throughout the year commemorate different important celebrations, all unique in what they honor. Although there are many different branches of Judaism, the community as a whole never fails to bring light in the darkness.