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Mushka Weinbaum serves as a program director with Chabad of Alabama, where she helps bring Jewish traditions and celebrations to communities across the state. In our conversation, she shared insights into the origins of Hoover’s Menorah lighting and the enduring significance of Hanukkah’s message of light.

Q: What is the story behind Hanukkah?

A: Hanukkah is the story of the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish priests who fought for their religious freedom. They triumphed over the Greek army who was much greater and more advanced. After the victory and rededicating the Temple, that a tiny amount of oil to light the Menorah, enough for one day, burned for eight.

Q: How would you describe it to someone who doesn’t know? (What is the message of Chanukah?)

A: Chanukah teaches us about the power of light over darkness, of goodness over evil, and of hope over despair. We must remember that when we see darkness, we don’t fight it with knives or with weapons, we overcome it with extra light, always increasing in joy, goodness, and holiness. 

With Hanukkah, every night we add one more candle, constantly increasing light.

Q: How did the Hoover Menorah lighting begin?

A: We started doing a public Menorah Lighting at the Summit about eleven years ago. Ever since then other communities have wanted to join in and have Menorah lightings for their communities. Vestavia was the first one, followed by Homewood. We then approached the City of Hoover to see if we could include their Jewish community and city in Chanukah festivities. Hoover wasn’t sure of the right location. Amanda Borden, the director of the Hoover Public Library is an incredible person who gets things done in the most beautiful way! She suggested that we do it at Hoover Library- it’s a great location, and the Hoover Library staff are the best hosts!

Q: What makes Hoover’s celebration unique?

A: Hoover always puts on an amazing showing. The mayor and many dignitaries come. A lot of different cultures and religions come to see the Menorah lighting and hear the universal message of religious freedom and the power of light. Last year, because of timing (Hanukkah and Christmas clashed a bit on the calendar), we ended up doing a day carnival for kids where kids could come and watch a movie in the Library theater, do Hanukkah activities followed by the Menorah Lighting. We would love for you to come out on Wed, Dec 17 at 5:00 PM and share the power of light with us with our 3rd annual Menorah Lighting at Hoover Public Library!