The meaning of Hanukkah and how to celebrate it on the road

Hanukkah is a celebration of resilience and hope, and here are some ways you can take this on the road.

December is one of the most festive months for many cultures around the world. Although Christmas is the most talked-about celebration during this season, there are other holidays that are equally important for different religions, one of them being Hanukkah.

Known as the Festival of Lights, this celebration lasts eight days and commemorates the miracle of the light: when a small amount of sacred oil burned for eight days during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Even though this holiday often goes unnoticed during the season, with around 10 million Jewish people living in the United States, it is essential to speak about this tradition with the same importance given to other celebrations.

Hanukkah: a celebration of resilience, strength, and hope

The dates of Hanukkah change each year. In 2025, the holiday will begin after sunset on Sunday, December 14, and will conclude on December 22. This is because Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar.

The story of Hanukkah recounts how the Maccabees, a group of Jewish soldiers, defeated the Syrian-Greek army in 139 BCE. After reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated, the Maccabees searched for pure oil to light the menorah. Although they found only enough oil for a single day, it miraculously lasted for eight. Still, the true essence of Hanukkah lies in what it represents, not only for the Jewish people but for humanity as a whole.

The eight days of Hanukkah weave together history, faith, and tradition in a message that transcends time. More than a military victory or a long-lasting flame, this holiday honors a people’s resilience and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Each lit candle is a reminder that even the smallest light can push back the darkness, a lesson that remains meaningful centuries later. For those who observe it today, Hanukkah highlights several essential themes:

Religious freedom: affirms the right to practice one’s faith without persecution.
Light over darkness: each added candle symbolizes expanding hope, kindness, and goodness in the world.
Perseverance and faith: recalls the struggle of the few against the many and the conviction that makes the impossible achievable.
Personal renewal: just as the Maccabees restored the Temple, the holiday encourages reflection and recommitment to one’s values and beliefs.

Although celebrated around the same time, Christmas and Hanukkah are fundamentally different holidays, yet both hold great significance within their respective cultures.

How can I celebrate Hanukkah on the road?

The holiday season is often especially challenging for truck drivers, who frequently spend these days far from home. However, even while traveling, there are ways to celebrate and keep the festive spirit alive on the road. Here are some ways to experience Hanukkah while on the move:

Light a travel menorah: Many truckers carry a small menorah to light each night from the cab or in a safe rest area. If lighting candles in the truck isn’t possible, they can join virtual lighting ceremonies with family or Jewish communities.

Pray or recite blessings: Setting aside a few minutes each night to say the Hanukkah blessings can help maintain the spiritual essence of the holiday.

Portable traditional foods: Bringing sufganiyot, latkes, or other traditional foods prepared ahead of time offers a comforting taste of home while on the road.

Hanukkah music and stories: Listening to traditional songs or podcasts that tell the story of the holiday can help create a deeper sense of connection.

Acts of kindness (tzedakah): The season provides an opportunity to perform small acts of generosity, such as donating at rest stops or supporting charitable organizations, reflecting one of Hanukkah’s core values.

Moments of reflection: Using rest breaks to think about Hanukkah’s central message, hope, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness, can make the celebration more meaningful, even far from home.