8 Days of Hanukkah in 8 Sub-Saharan African Jewish Communities
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, holds significant spiritual importance to the Jewish population, both in terms of history and as a season of celebration. Whenever it is Hanukkah, the first impression for the majority—another 8 days of festival as relaxing as the Sukkot—is like a repeat of the fun of lengthy Sukkot days, after going two straight months from Simchat Torah without any festival. The timing is usually fluid and thus specifically decides when Hanukkah falls, just like this most recent one, which got people greeting “Merry Xmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” at the same period. Indeed, it was an Ideal moment to strengthen our mutual coexistence with our non-Jewish neighbors.
Known as the festival of lights, Chanukah, with its significance of resilience, hope, and miracles, transports our consciousness into the past and into the lives of biblical Israelites. It was in the days of Matitiyah, a Jewish priest who led a revolt in the second century BC when the wicked Greek kingdom rose up against Israel in a campaign to compel people to abandon the Torah. A great miracle happened—firstly, Matitiyah and his sons employed a gorilla style of attack and decimated an entire Greek army. Secondly, one day oil supply burnt for an additional seven days after the city was liberated and the temple restored. In remembrance of this period, we remember the period as a time the strong were delivered into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, and the wicked into the hands of the righteous as seen in the Hanukkah “Amida.”
Joining the rest of the world, the Jewish people in Sub-Saharan African communities marked the 5785 Hanukkah festival, which began on the 25th of December and stretched into the 1st of January 2025. From Abidjan at the edge of the Western Atlantic African coast to Ethiopia at the Horn of Africa, extending southwards to Zimbabwe and across the Mozambican channel to the island of Madagascar, the hanukkiah illuminates our communities. Despite how fast-changing cultural patterns are going across borders around the continent, the people remained united by their shared Jewish beliefs. In many African homes and synagogues, the candlelight was kindled daily with the intent of basking in the consciousness of the spiritual energy available and miracles in the Hanukkah season of possibilities.
In this post, we will embark on a journey through eight Sub-Saharan countries over the eight days of Hanukkah, highlighting the vibrancy and continued practice of Jewish customs throughout the continent.
DAY 1- CAMEROON: The Light of Faith
Before lighting the first Hanukkah candle to welcome the festival of Chanukah, the Beit Bnei Yeshurun in Yaoundé, Cameroon, began the eve of Hanukkah with a communal Maariv prayer service. This was done in order to celebrate the beginning of the holiday. Rabbi Elouna Betsalel is the leader of this Jewish community, which is considered to be one of the most robust in Yaoundé and in Cameroon. In addition, we witnessed the festival celebration in Douala from Beth Adams David and from Beith Goshen in Yaoundé on the eve of Chanukah. In the message for the first day, it was explained that the first candle was a symbol of faith. This was a small beginning that was related to the unwavering belief in adhering to Jewish customs by celebrating festivals and maintaining traditions.
Tonight, we kindle the first light of Chanukah. One flame, small yet powerful, reminds us that even a little light can dispel much darkness. Just as the Maccabees stood strong in their faith, may this first candle ignite courage and hope in our hearts.
DAY 2- ETHIOPIA: The Strength of Unity
Ethiopia, at the Horn of Africa, with its capital in Addis Ababa, is home to thousands of certified Jewish descendants known as Beta Israel, who at a point have lived over a millennium in isolation without any contact with Jews outside the region. In 1984, and 1991, special codename military operations were launched that successfully landed more than 25k Ethiopian Jews to live in Israel as Rabbinate-recognized Jews. But unfortunately, even though they have grown to around 168k Beta Israel residing in Israel today, many are still left behind in Ethiopia. Sadly, many of them have not been able to migrate to Israel, but notably, any form of isolation has dwindled, as in the past, and through the internet, they’re connected with their brothers in Israel and the rest of the Jews in Africa.
As we light the second candle, we celebrate the power of togetherness. The Maccabees triumphed because they stood united for their values. May these two flames inspire us to build bonds of love, strength, and shared purpose.
The message of the day is about the strength of unity—the ability to reach out, cooperate, and grow that unity. In Addis Ababa, the Abeba Kechana Jewish community powered the 2nd night of Hanukkah with an oil-lighted makeshift Hanukkiah, a gift from one of their friends in Israel. It was so wonderful to see the excitement as we got into the 2nd day of Hanukkah, which two candles were lighted, signifying the strength of unity.
DAY 3- TANZANIA: Light of Peace and Rest
In Tanzania, we head over to Arusha, where we have a flourishing Jewish community, and since it was Shabbat day preparation, the message of the day was all about the light of peace for the ongoing Hanukkah and light of rest for Shabbat. Being the 3rd day of Hanukkah, coinciding with the start of Shabbat, two sets of candles were lit—one for Hanukkah and the other for Shabbat.
Tonight, as we light three flames, we also welcome the peace of Shabbat. The Maccabees fought for the right to keep Shabbat and live in holiness. May the glow of these candles bring peace to our homes and remind us that the greatest victories are those that bring light, rest, and renewal. Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach!
Since the day coincided with the only Shabbat that occurs within the festival, it was a perfect time to reflect on the peaceful coexistence of Shabbat and Hanukkah lights. This allows us to understand the Maccabees’ efforts to restore Jewish observance after the Greek soldiers overtook Jerusalem and forced everyone to abandon the ways of the Torah. Today, both the Jewish communities in Tanzania and across the Jewish world can happily keep the Jewish Halachot and commemorate this important period of victory against the enemies of the Jews throughout the festival of Chanukah.
DAY 4- COTE D’IVOIRE: Light that Grows
In Abidjan, the capital of Cote d’Ivoire, an important Pan-African gathering took place in 2022, which resulted in the birth of SAJA. Jews from over 10 African countries in Sub-Saharan Africa were present to unite and forge a path to strengthen themselves, seeking support in rebuilding their Jewish communities. For the majority of the attendees, it was truly a first-time encounter with the French-speaking Jews of Ivory Coast, one of the most thriving French communities in West Africa.
At the end of Shabbat, members of Kol Yehudah Synagogue in Abidjan, the historic venue of the first Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance (SAJA) meeting, gathered in full capacity for Shabbat conclusion prayers. Just like the previous evening, they lit two sets of candles for Havdallah and the 4th night of Hanukkah. By completely lighting one side of the menorah, the day’s message focuses on the expanding light, relating the fourth candle to the flourishing of Jewish life. By increasing the flames on the Hanukkiah, the hope of increasing joy and expectations in the coming week is in full assurance. The congregation in Abidjan recited in joy the Hanukkah song shortly after Havdallah. Imagine the beauty of transitioning from Shabbat to Hanukkah light—this is a rare occasion that happens most times once a year.
As Shabbat ends and we kindle the fourth candle, we reflect on the growing light of Chanukah. Just as the flames increase each night, so too may our joy, hope, and strength grow in the coming week. May the light of Shabbat linger, and the spirit of Chanukah guide us forward. Shavua Tov and Chanukah Sameach!
DAY 5- NIGERIA: A New Side of Light
On the 29th of December, 2024, a bright sunny Sunday, which led up to the 5th night of Hanukkah, was a day dedicated to the Jews in Nigeria to take center stage in this 8 days of Hanukkah in 8 Sub-Saharan Jewish communities. The previous evening, we saw members of the Maccabi football club of Nigeria light up the menorah after the Havdallah service in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue. It was a colorful evening service, and to see the players in smiles and high spirits in their Kulanu-branded jerseys.
Just before the 5th candle was lit, there was a Kulanu online speakers series on Zoom with children in Nigeria celebrating Chanukah. The event took place in the Association of Jewish Faiths in Eastern Nigeria. The program featured presentations from the children in the form of songs and other activities.
Tonight, as we light the fifth candle, we see one side of the hanukkiah fully glowing, and the light now begins to spread to the other side. This reminds us that when we fill our hearts and homes with light, it naturally overflows to brighten new places. May this be a sign of continued blessings and new beginnings.
The message of the day focuses on the overflowing light. This day of Hanukkah held great significance as we filled one side of the menorah and lit a new candle on the other side for the first time. The day calls for reflection on the significance of filling one side of the hanukkiah, fully and firmly positioned, and then spreading out into new territory—a new side of light.
In southern Nigeria, at the Beth Ha’arachman Jewish community, a special Hanukkah service was held that evening. It began with a Maariv prayer in the synagogue led by a young cantor, Gideon Azariah. However, prior to the mincha prayers, a group of young girls and boys engaged in a dreidel challenge. Most of the children are students of Brachot Yeshiva primary and secondary school in Akwa Ibom state. The rest were other children in the community and a non-Jewish cousin to one of the girls in the synagogue. It was a highly contested game, lasting over an hour, before the boys managed to emerge triumphant in the end.
After lighting up the menorah, there was a beautiful moment of singing, dancing, clapping, and drumming in front of the Chanukah light. In attendance that evening were some elders, mothers, and the younger male and female. Thereafter, everyone went outside, seated around different dining tables, and enjoyed a sumptuous meal to mark the 5th day of Hanukkah.
DAY 6- GHANA: The Power of Perseverance
With six candles burning bright, we are reminded of the unwavering perseverance of the Maccabees. Even when the odds seemed impossible, they pressed forward with faith and courage. May these six lights inspire us to keep going, knowing that every step brings more light into the world.
Keeping the flame alive is one of the messages of the day as members of the Ghanaian Jewish community mark the 6th day of Hanukkah. Lighting up the 6th light follows the routine of non-stop daily lighting in sequence as Jews continue to persevere till the remaining days of the festival of lights. We can liken the lighting of the sixth candle to the perseverance of Ghanaian Jews in preserving and upholding Jewish customs and traditions. In Sefwi Waiwso, in the northwestern region, the Tiferret Israel Synagogue has been a stronghold for Jewish practice in the country where Jewish faithful gather to celebrate Hanukkah.
DAY 7 – ZIMBABWE: Nearing Full Brilliance
As seven flames illuminated the hanukkiah, they symbolized the nearing of fullness, a stage where the light of Hanukkah almost reaches its peak brilliance. This moment mirrored the journey of the Lemba Jews themselves—a journey marked by dedication, identity, and the unwavering commitment to their faith and traditions despite historical challenges. The lighting of the seventh candle in Harare was not just a celebration of Hanukkah but also a reflection of the growing unity and recognition of African Jewish communities. It represented a shared hope—that the nearly full hanukkiah reflects the progress we have made, with anticipation for an even brighter future.
Tonight, seven flames glow, almost filling the hanukkiah with light. Just as the Maccabees’ dedication brought them closer to complete victory, each small act of goodness brings us closer to wholeness and peace. May these lights remind us that even when we are near the end, every moment matters.
As the Lemba community in Zimbabwe continues to illuminate their path with courage and faith, their story reminds us that every step forward is a victory, and each light kindled brings us closer to completeness. This seventh night of Hanukkah in Harare is a call to all Jewish communities in Africa and beyond to continue nurturing their traditions, supporting one another, and striving for the unity that keeps our collective flame burning brightly.
DAY 8 – UGANDA: A Continent Illuminated
The final night of Hanukkah brought a radiant conclusion to the Festival of Lights in Uganda, where the Jewish communities of Mukono and Mbale celebrated this sacred moment. The hanukkiot were lit in the Mukono Orthodox Synagogue, the Tzon Beit Hamitzvot Jewish Community, and at Namugoya, the headquarters of the Abayudaya in Mbale, filling these spaces with the brilliance of eight glowing flames.
This eighth night of Hanukkah was a celebration of fullness—the completeness of the hanukkiah symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, the victory of faith, and the power of unity. Across Uganda, these lightings demonstrated the interconnectedness of Jewish communities, showing how each contributes to a shared flame of hope and resilience.
For Uganda’s Jewish communities, this night was not just the end of Hanukkah but a reminder of the miracles that continue to unfold in their midst. From Mukono to Mbale, these lights represent the enduring spirit of African Jewry—a spirit that perseveres, grows, and inspires.
In Conclusion:
At the end of the 8 days of Hanukkah in 8 Sub-Saharan African Jewish communities, our aspirations are that may the energy and the miracles of the lights inspire us to persevere, grow, and shine as one people, lighting up our world with faith, hope, and love. No doubt, together we are stronger, and together, we keep the miracle alive. From Cameroon to Uganda and beyond, despite the cultural differences, this festival has shown the strength and unity of African Jewry, reflecting how communities—both large and small—preserve Jewish traditions and inspire hope for the future. Wishing everyone and their loved ones continued strength and happiness until we gather again to kindle the lights next Hanukkah.