What if Hanukkah had never happened? Without this critical moment in Jewish history, the preservation of God’s covenant people—and the birth of the Messiah—might not have occurred. Hanukkah tells the story of a miraculous victory against Antiochus IV, a tyrant who sought to erase Jewish faith and identity. Against all odds, a small band of Jewish rebels, the Maccabees, reclaimed the temple, restored worship, and ensured the survival of their people.

In Episode 91 of The Jewish Road Podcast, titled "Why This Hanukkah Is Different...And The Same," we look into the essence of Hanukkah, connecting its historical roots to the present-day challenges facing the Jewish people.

Hanukkah began as a story of resistance against Antiochus IV, a ruler intent on eradicating Jewish identity and practices. This year, as we light the menorah, our reflections take on a deeper, more urgent tone. We find ourselves amid a continued conflict following the October 7 war, where the threat to Jewish existence is ever-present, this time posed by a radical Islamist group, Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.

What makes this Hanukkah different isn't the nature of the threat -historically, the Jewish people have faced numerous existential threats -but its global reach. The shadows of hatred and violence extend beyond Israel, seeping into streets and campuses worldwide, affecting Jews in every corner of the globe.

Hanukkah and Christmas for many American Jews can cause confusion about which holiday to celebrate and how. Hanukkah, specifically, has lost much of its original meaning, and the birth of the Messiah, Christmas, is no different.

Now more than ever is a time to celebrate Hanukkah and hold onto the light of hope that it provides us. In 1932, Anti-Semitism was on the rise in Europe and many Jewish families could personally feel evil making its way towards them.

Despite what they saw out their window everyday, those with menorahs kept those lights alight and celebrated this historical holiday that not only brought light into their homes but brought a sense of strength and courage as well.

On this episode of the Jewish Road Podcast, we dive into why we should find reason to celebrate Hanukkah today in a time when Anti-Semitism seems more persistent than ever: to provide strength, promise, and hope for the future - even in dark times.

We travel back into the timeline of the Bible to uncover a fascinating connection between the stories of Antiochus Epiphanes IV and Jesus.

While Hanukkah is widely known as the Festival of Lights, and is enjoyed by millions around the world each year, many are unaware of its Biblical backstory.

Through this episode, we can better understand Hanukkah's significance, and also discover why it is so important to be ready for another tumultuous time in Jewish history.

Are you looking for a way to celebrate Hanukkah with your family? Should you as a Christian even celebrate Hanukkah? Is it allowed?

The Jewish Road Podcast is here to help. We know that it can be difficult to find the right words and traditions, so we’re going to share some ideas on how you can make this holiday special. You might even discover something new about your faith in the process!

Celebrating Hanukkah has never been easier than it will be after listening to our podcast. This year, let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time for your family tradition of Hanukkah to get a start, or an upgrade! Let us show you how easy it is by tuning into our podcast today!

Check out our Instagram account @thejewishroad for our Quick Guide To Celebrate Hanukkah At Home.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Jewish people during that 400 year gap between the Old Testament and New Testament?

The story of Hanukkah is an incredible one. It’s a story of God working behind the scenes in faithfulness to His people, despite another ruler trying to wipe out the Jewish people and the promised seed of David.

This podcast tells this incredible story so you may know the WHOLE story! You won’t want to miss it!