What’s Going On:
The recent Hanukkah celebration, a symbol of Jewish perseverance and triumph over adversity, seems lost on some prominent figures, including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. As the husband of the US Vice President and a member of the Jewish community, Emhoff’s misinterpretation of Hanukkah’s story is particularly jarring.
Why It Matters:
The narrative spun by Emhoff during the White House Hanukkah reception suggests a version of the holiday focused on victimhood rather than victory. This portrayal stands in stark contrast to the traditional message of Hanukkah, which emphasizes Jewish courage and the miraculous triumph of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire. Emhoff’s version inadvertently diminishes the holiday’s empowering legacy and could contribute to a broader misunderstanding of Jewish history and culture.
The Real Hanukkah:
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees’ remarkable military victory and religious dedication, symbolized by the miracle of the menorah’s oil lasting eight days. This festival is a time for Jewish pride and public celebration, not a recounting of a people hiding in fear—a stark misrepresentation put forward in the Second Gentleman’s Hanukkah narrative.
A Troubling Trend:
This year has seen a noticeable decline in public Hanukkah displays, reflecting a growing concern within the Jewish community about anti-Semitic backlash. The situation is exacerbated by institutions like Harvard advising the Jewish community to conceal their religious symbols, thus signaling a retreat in the face of potential hostility.
The October 7 Effect:
The repercussions of Jew-hatred have become more evident and widespread following the events of October 7, underscoring the need for the Jewish community to confront and combat anti-Semitism. Rather than retreating, Jews must take pride in their identity and heritage, drawing from the strength that Hanukkah represents.
Emhoff’s Misstep:
Had Emhoff’s interpretation been accurate, it would suggest a Judaism that could have succumbed to external pressures long ago. The Hanukkah story is one of resilience, and its true lesson stands in contradiction to the Second Gentleman’s depiction.
Bottom Line:
Hanukkah’s true narrative—one of resistance, strength, and the celebration of Jewish identity—must be preserved and publicized, especially in current times when Jewish communities around the world face challenges and threats. This festival, far from being a tale of victimhood, is a call to stand tall and proud in the face of adversity, a sentiment that must resonate within and beyond the Jewish community.
This story was first published on jpost.com.