Beloved Campus Community,

We wish our Jewish sisters and brothers in the Santa Clara community a Happy Hanukkah! The eight nights of Hanukkah began this year at sundown Sunday evening, and will continue through December 6, as Jewish communities across the globe gather nightly to light the candles of a gracefully branched menorah. In the midst of the recent sorrows on our campus, we delayed our good wishes. Yet, more than ever now, we need the hope of Hanukkah as light in the darkness.

The Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabbean victory over Syria over two thousand years ago. According to tradition, a scant supply of purified oil miraculously fueled the Temple lamps for eight days until new oil arrived. Today, families and friends celebrate Hanukkah with festive dinners and by exchanging gifts and offering special prayers of blessing and gratitude. Similar to the autumn holy days in other faith traditions, Hanukkah signifies the triumph of hope over despair and the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. 

We wish all those who observe the miracle of Hanukkah this week many blessings and great joy.  With our Jewish sisters and brothers, we join our hearts in grateful celebration of light and freedom during the Festival of Lights. Please gather with the community on the Benson Plaza tonight (Thursday) at 6:00 pm to light the menorah. May the lighted candles of Hanukkah be a sign of hope for all people of good will. Happy Hanukkah to all!

Alison M.  Benders
Vice President for Mission and Ministry