KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — More than 6,300 miles away, a war is raging. In Knoxville, a Hanukkah celebration brought together Jewish voices of all kinds to both light a menorah and reflect on the impact of the Israel-Hamas War.
The "Unite Through Light: In Solidarity with Brothers and Sisters in Israel" started around 5 p.m. in World's Fair Park. It had the support of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Representative Tim Burchett (R - TN). Attendees had the chance to eat traditional Jewish food, play games with their families, listen to music from an Israeli artist and light a ceremonial menorah.
"The candles of celebration are intertwined with some flames of memorial, you know, for those who have been killed," said Rabbi Yossi Wilhelm. "Because of its message, it's extremely powerful in particular during these tough times and we have to take that message and do the best we can."
Every year, the Festival of Lights intermingles solemn commemoration for the faith's long history while also celebrating its ideals. Its origin dates back to around 140 BCE and to The Maccabees, a band of Jewish freedom fighters during the Second Temple period, according to Chabad of Knoxville.
In the story behind Hanukkah, a long history of war and conquest between ancient kings eventually flared into a conflict between the king of Syria and The Maccabees. After an army was sent against them, The Maccabees returned to historic Jerusalem and liberated it. After clearing a temple of idols placed by Syrians, they lit a menorah with oil that lasted eight days — even though it was expected to last less than one.
Its celebration centers on light, miracles and goodness — all on display in the heart of Knoxville as a special menorah was lit. This year, the history and meaning of Hanukkah took special significance.
"The ability to see miracles. I missed the time where the rest of the world would say there's nothing going on," said Nissim Black, the performer who took to the stage during the event. "Our religious observance is everything from the moment that we wake up, all the way to the moment 'til we lay down."
And throughout the Jewish community in East Tennessee, Hanukkah has brought a new meaning to solidarity. As the war overseas continued, some gathered to reflect on what it means to fight for freedom.
"As Jewish Voice for Peace, during this time we are rededicating ourselves during Hanukkah and every day to supporting freedom for the people of Palestine," said Julie Elfin, from the Jewish Voice for Peace. "We see Jewish liberation and Palestinian liberation as very interconnected with each other. They're not opposing forces."