Hanukkah - The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah's proximity to Christmas creates unique dynamics in France. The eight-day festival asserts Jewish identity while navigating the season's Christian cultural dominance. Public menorah lightings have become increasingly common, claiming space in France's winter landscape.

Public Menorahs and Republican Values

Giant Hanukkah menorahs now illuminate places like the Champs-Élysées, Trocadéro, and Lyon's Place Bellecour. These displays, often organized by Chabad-Lubavitch, spark occasional debates about religious symbols in public space but generally receive municipal support.

"The public menorah isn't about imposing religion," argues Rabbi Mendel Azimov of Paris Chabad. "It's about celebrating diversity within French unity. The light reminds everyone that darkness can be overcome."

Hanukkah in Schools

Jewish parents navigate December's challenges as schools prepare Christmas celebrations. Some negotiate inclusion of Hanukkah stories or songs, while others organize separate celebrations. The Fonds Social Juif Unifié provides educational materials helping teachers present Hanukkah appropriately.

"My daughter's teacher invited me to explain Hanukkah to her class," recounts Judith Elfassi. "The children were fascinated by the dreidel and latkes. It opened conversations about different winter celebrations worldwide."

Gift-Giving Adaptations

French Jewish families balance Hanukkah's minor gift tradition with Christmas's commercial pressure. Many limit presents to small items or Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), emphasizing the holiday's spiritual over material aspects. Others embrace gift-giving, seeing it as cultural participation rather than religious compromise.