For Rabbi Dovid Mintz, of the Jewish Community Center Chabad of Vail, Hanukkah is about spreading faith and light every year. That constant desire to persevere forward despite adversity is what keeps him going every day, but it’s been especially relevant this year.

The ceremony will begin the eight-day celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (attendant), which is used to kindle the other eight lights.

Thanksgiving was different this year. While some chose to stay home, others were forced to. But thanks to the Chabad of SE Morris County, located in Madison, those who were homebound received a Thanksgiving dinner.

Here we are, gearing up for a Hanukkah that will keep us home at a time when we would normally be viewing public menorah lightings in huge crowds, celebrating, and enjoying latkes with friends and family. This year’s public celebrations are mostly limited to drive-in events, parades, other creative ideas that facilitate proper social-distancing behavior, and of course the endless smorgasbord of online events we can enjoy from our couches.

In a year full of darkness, Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook and Chabad Israeli Center of Greater Chicago want to bring forth some light in the holiday season through Chanukah Wonderboxes.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, Chabad of Long Island recognizes the crucial importance of bringing Hanukkah’s message of light and hope to Long Island’s Jewish community amid a dark winter.

This year, the holiday has added significance as so many will be isolated at home on Chanukah amid these difficult times.

On Thursday night, Dec. 10, Jews throughout the world will celebrate Hanukkah. They will take their menorahs out of their China cabinets, and add a candle each night for eight nights. In their kitchens, mothers and bubbies will carefully turn sizzling potato latkes in frying pans, beef brisket will be roasting in hot ovens and traditional family side dishes will be ready to be served.

To celebrate this year’s Hanukah holiday, the Chabad of Robbinsville and Hamilton is hosting the GR8 Chanukah Menorah car parade.

The free, family-friendly drive-through Chanukah celebration will include a 5-foot ice menorah by Cascade Sculptures, menorah kits, entertainment, a professional photo-op, and Chanukah doughnuts and treats (individually wrapped).

The Chabad of Coral Springs has been crucial in the community this year, especially with their ongoing food distributions during the Covid-19 pandemic. As Chanukah approaches, they have planned ways to hold safe celebrations for all.

While Germany’s overwhelming Christian majority is preparing for Christmas, the tiny Jewish minority celebrates Hanukkah, the festival of lights.