Supporting Jewish Colleagues During the Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Observed in late November or December, Hanukkah includes lighting the menorah, sharing traditional foods like latkes, and celebrating resilience, identity, and community.
Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge Hanukkah? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
Why This Holiday Matters
Hanukkah can be more than just a seasonal festivity. Here’s how it connects to inclusion at work:
✅ It acknowledges that Jewish employees may feel overlooked during a season dominated by Christmas-centric celebrations.
✅ It creates space to honor Jewish traditions, stories, and contributions within the workplace.
✅ It encourages teams to explore themes of resilience, identity, and cultural expression.
✅ It builds cultural humility by expanding the conversation beyond dominant narratives.
Bringing this perspective into your workplace celebration invites deeper connection and reflection.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Try this meaningful, inclusive activity to mark Hanukkah at work:
Host a “Festival of Lights” Story Circle.
Here’s how:
Invite team members to share short reflections on what light means to them—personally, culturally, or symbolically.
Provide prompts like:
- “When have you felt a sense of renewal or hope?”
- “What traditions bring light into your life?”
Create a space that’s welcoming and voluntary. The goal isn’t religious education—it’s real connection through shared meaning.
This quick, meaningful activity can deepen understanding and create real community.
👉 Ready to explore more workplace-ready tips? Keep reading.
Ready for More?
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In our community, you’ll find deeper DIY DEI guides, a full diversity calendar, and workplace-ready tools to help you sustain inclusive, impactful celebrations year‑round.
Pause & Reflect
How can your organization ensure that all cultural and religious holidays are acknowledged and celebrated inclusively?
