The annual custom and ancient tradition of lighting the Hanukkah menorah takes on profound significance this year as Jewish communities worldwide face rising antisemitism. At the heart of this festival lies a powerful concept, referred to in the ancient Aramaic of the Talmud as pirsumei nisa, the obligation to publicize the miracle. But this commandment extends far beyond simply retelling an ancient story of military victory and miraculous oil that burned eight times longer than it was supposed to. It represents the Jewish people’s enduring mission to serve as a light unto the nations, even in the darkest of times.

A story that I recently heard while I was on a trip to London beautifully illustrates this principle. A newly converted Jewish woman from Hungary, just three weeks into her Jewish journey, experienced what could have been a threatening moment. She was walking on her way to the synagogue on the first Shabbat after she converted when someone from a passing car rolled down their window and shouted “Jew!” at her. Instead of shrinking in fear, she paused and thought, “Oh yes, I am,” her heart swelling with pride in her new identity. This simple yet profound response embodies the spirit of Hanukkah: standing tall in our Jewish identity, transforming moments of darkness into opportunities for light.