Chanukah in Turks and Caicos

Chanukah marks an event that occurred over 2,100 years ago, when a small but determined group of Jews known as the Maccabees triumphed over the mighty Greek empire, which sought to suppress their faith and culture.

The victory was not only a miraculous military achievement but a spiritual one, marking the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated. Wanting to light the temple's Menorah—a seven-branched candelabra—they discovered that all the sacred oil had been contaminated. Miraculously, they found one small jug of pure oil, barely enough to last a single day. Yet, the Menorah burned for eight days.

Here in Turks and Caicos, as in countless communities around the world, the holiday is marked with the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, an eight-branched candelabra with an additional “helper” candle called the shamash. A blessing is recited while adding another candle each night, so that by the eighth night all eight candles are burning bright. This simple act serves as a reminder of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of light over darkness and of good over evil.

However, the message of Hanukkah extends far beyond the history and rituals. It reminds us that even a small amount of light can dispel a tremendous amount of darkness.

Darkness comes in many forms, whether it is conflict, injustice, or even the quieter struggles we keep to ourselves. Rather than responding to darkness with more darkness, the prescription is to light a flame, let its glow radiate outwards.

In Jewish tradition, this light begins at home. The menorah is placed in a window or another visible spot to share its glow with the world. But the light is not meant to stop there. It is a call to action for each of us to bring light into our own lives and the lives of the people around us, speaking to the shared human responsibility to illuminate our world with goodness and kindness.

Just as the flames of the menorah light up the space around them, so too acts of goodness and kindness spread outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully see. It is this that forms the very bedrock of community, which we cherish so deeply here in Turks and Caicos Island. Whether through supporting neighbors in need, engaging in local causes, or simply sharing moments of joy and connection, each of us has the power to light up our corner of the world.

So let’s think about how you can bring a little more light into the world. In a time when darkness often feels all too present, creating a little light around you can make all the difference.

Chanukah in Turks & Caicos: A Festival of Light

Turks & Caicos celebrated Chanukah with menorah lightings across the islands, bringing joy to locals, tourists, and second homeowners.

The highlight was the seventh annual menorah lighting on Grace Bay Beach at the Ritz-Carlton, where over 300 attendees enjoyed doughnuts, latkes, dreidels, and activities. With the  Honourable Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Honourable Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson, in attendance

With nightly lightings at various hotels, the holiday united the community in spreading the warmth and spirit of Chanukah across the islands.

Despite what happened the first night of Chanukah in Bondi Beach, Australia, we are taught the only way to get rid of darkness is to add light and not be despondent, to not be afraid or retreat but to have our light shine even brighter

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us make a wonderful Chanuakh on the island:

• Insurance Centre and Celerant

• And to all the resorts and villas which hosted

Contributed by Rabbi Shmulik Berkowitz