Blog: Celebrating Chanukah on campus and beyond
Maya Blackstone, second-year Geography student and Chair of the UoB Jewish Society (Jsoc), reflects on the light of Chanukah – a celebration of resilience, identity, and hope.
As winter settles, the campus glows with the light of Chanukah candles – a festival that celebrates resilience, identity, and hope. It’s one of my favourite times of year, as Jewish students here and worldwide unite in celebration.
What is Chanukah?
Chanukah commemorates a historic struggle for religious freedom that took place over two thousand years ago. When the ancient Greek empire tried to suppress Jewish practice, the Maccabees – a small group of young Jews – fought back and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. There, they found only one small jar of pure oil, enough for one day, yet it miraculously burned for eight.
As we turn to the calendar, it’s essential to remember when Chanukah occurs, thereby grounding these traditions in specific moments each year. This year, Chanukah begins on the evening of Sunday 14 December 2025 and ends on Monday 22 December 2025. For eight nights, we light the Chanukah candles, adding one candle each evening. This is a simple yet profoundly meaningful ritual.
Bringing light to campus
Here at the University of Birmingham, our Jewish Chaplains host a nightly gathering at a central campus location to light a large Chanukiah, where students are invited to join in. Together, we share doughnuts, sing traditional songs, and spend time with friends. Each additional candle every night reflects our community’s resilience and connection.
There is something magical about watching the flames flicker through the winter cold, while being surrounded by friends and classmates from all walks of life. Chanka is about persistence and hope; on campus, it becomes a celebration of Jewish resilience, shared humanity, and the pursuit of peace.
Beyond Birmingham
While we will not all be on campus this year, the spirit of Chanukah will continue to shine. Across the country, Jewish communities will gather, with large communal gatherings in areas with significant Jewish populations, as well as smaller celebrations in homes and synagogues throughout the country.
One of the most beautiful traditions of Chanukkah is that the chanukiah should be placed somewhere visible, ideally in a window, where its light can be seen from the street. This practice is not just symbolic; it’s a statement that says we are proud of our identity, that we celebrate openly, and that the light shared with others makes the world brighter for everyone.
The deeper meaning
Chanukah teaches that even small acts of goodness and courage can push back immense darkness. The flame is representative of more than a miracle; it is a symbol of what happens when people bring kindness, faith, and purpose into the world.
Chanukah is also a festival of identity, reminding us to embrace our unique light, our social heritage, and individuality. Everyone has their own way of shining, and when we do so authentically, we add brightness to the world around us.
A festival of persistence and peace
The story of the oil that lasted eight days is one of hope and persistence. It's proof that even when you think you have nothing left to give, you can still make a lasting impact. On campus, this feels especially relevant. During exams, deadlines, and busy schedules, those little sparks of motivation and kindness truly matter.
Chanukah also reminds me that peace begins from within. Beyond the historical victory, it teaches us to overcome our inner struggle, to fight negativity with light, patience, and compassion.
Lighting up the world
Each night, the light of the chanukiah grows brighter. This tradition of constantly adding light, rather than just maintaining it, is a call to continually improve ourselves and our world. Whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering, or simply spreading warmth to others, every small action matters.
As I stand before the candles each night, whether on campus in my hometown or with friends, I’m reminded that light is most powerful when shared. Chanukah is not just about Jewish identity; it’s about the universal hope that light will always overcome darkness.