Chabad at Rice University welcomed members of the Rice community in celebration of the beginning of Hanukkah during a gathering replete with hot latkes, donuts, music and festivities Dec. 7 at Ray Courtyard.
Rabbi Shmuli Slonim greeted the crowd with a message of inspiration despite current international affairs that have troubled the Jewish community, especially during the Festival of Lights.
“This year, the story and message of Hanukkah is even more relevant and personal,” Rabbi Slonim said. “Hanukkah recalls the miraculous victory of a small and weak Jewish army in the land of Israel over the large and mighty Assyrian Greeks more than 2,100 years ago. Today, Dec. 7, marks two months since the Oct. 7 massacre. The world will never be the same since that dark day in our community.”
A physical symbol of that resilience, the menorah, represents triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter and of light over darkness. The Jewish faith believes that even as the forces of darkness are ever present, the lights of the menorah serve as a reminder that darkness can be extinguished through the presence of light.
“The Jewish community faces today more darkness than we could have ever imagined for 2023,” Rabbi Slonim said. “It’s frightening, it’s vile and it’s loud. But the message and story of Hanukkah is our encouragement. We’ve been in this darkness before. Too many times. But we have always survived, and ultimately, not only did we survive … we thrived.”
The spirit of triumph and joy was palpable throughout the evening. Former Rice President David Leebron joined to light the menorah. Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman offered her words of encouragement. The MOB provided a guest performance, and multiple students spoke of their excitement to gather in congregation with each other.
“For me, this has always been a really great community event,” said Emma Whitehurst, a senior at Jones College. “With everything going on, I’m just glad to feel the community aspect again.”
Rabbi Slonim said Hanukkah serves as a reminder of how powerful and effective each seemingly small act can be in illuminating each other’s surroundings. “Like with the Hanukkah lights, we must strive to increase each and every day,” he said.
To create community cohesiveness, he announced that Chabad will host ongoing events throughout Hanukkah as well as a social media challenge to win swag items by posting daily photos of people’s individual menorahs as each candle is lit throughout the eight-day celebration.
Chabad at Rice is also extending its goodwill beyond the hedges. The group is collecting donations of toys that will be delivered to children in the Texas Medical Center.
For more information about Chabad at Rice University or to donate, visit jewishriceu.com.
