Tips for a 21st Century Green and Festive Hanukkah

Dec 23, 2011
Jan Lee

This hanukkiah may not have been hand-made by its owner, but the design, combined with the hand-rolled beeswax candles convey the sentiment of green living practices during Hanukkah. - Miheco

Jewish communities are finding more ways to incorporate green-living practices into their holiday celebrations these days, even during Hanukkah.

Some would say that Hanukkah was made for the 21st century. After all, what Jewish holiday better reflects the challenges of "going green" than the story of a community faced with catastrophe because of waning resources? While the ancient rabbis tell us that the lesson of Hanukkah is faith in G-d, there's also a story in its context about green living and finding ways to economize.

So we offer the following tips for a green and environmentally friendly Festival of Lights

Hanukkah Candles and Gifts that Reflect Green Living Practices

Pick "natural." The heart of Hanukkah is symbolized by the many candles we use to light the hanukkiah. Beeswax, palm oil and soy candles are a great way to symbolize your conviction to green resources. They can be a bit more pricey than conventional Hanukkah candles, but can often be purchased online. Beeswax candles are odorless, burn clean and come in great colors that are fun to watch.

Give the gift that continues to count. Consider dedicating one night to environmental causes. Instead of giving candy or toys for that night, "adopt" an endangered animal in your child's name. Use the opportunity to teach him or her about their new "charge" and how the organization you have donated to helps to protect vulnerable species.

Design Family Hanukkah Traditions

Start a pact for environmental causes. Rabbis Arthur Waskow and Jeff Sultar of The Shalom Center have organized The Green Menorah Covenant, a guideline of at least eight steps you and your family can take to "go green" this Hanukkah. If your family is already fairly committed to environmental causes, the eight steps provide a great foundation for your next full Hanukkah. Or, pick the steps you feel your family (or you) will be most comfortable with. Then work up from there.

Reduce. Pick a resource you depend upon in the winter and find a way to reduce its use. Incorporate a tradition of going around the house and turning off lights or reducing the heating in vacant rooms before you light the candles. Close off rooms you aren't using and don a sweater as you turn the heat down a few degrees. Remove that AC adapter that isn't currently being used to reduce the draw of phantom power. Then make a point of discussing these new ideas together, and looking at other steps you can take the next night.

Plan Ahead for Your Next Holiday Celebrations

For next year - Consider making your hanukkiah out of reusable ingredients to symbolize your commitment to the ecology. Arthur Waskow points out that the hanukkiah can be viewed as a "tree of life" and how we make it can be as symbolic of its importance as its engaging design. Metal scraps, wood, pottery and glass can all be used to design your hanukkiah.

Don't forget to write your tips down. Make a list of what you have discovered about incorporating green living practices into your Hanukkah, and how these ideas can be incorporated into your next holiday celebrations.

Additional Sources:

The Shalom Center

Treehugger.com: How to Go Green - Electricity