Kindling New Light: Fresh Ideas for Your Chanukah Celebration

Kindling New Light: Fresh Ideas for Your Chanukah Celebration

By Rabbi Rachel K. Bearman

Two young children sit in front of a fully lit chanukiah

In a world that has too often been filled with too much darkness, Jewish communities have used Chanukah to kindle new and lasting lights. The glow of the menorah reminds us that even the smallest flame can push back the darkness. While many of us have beloved Chanukah traditions—whether they were passed down through generations or lovingly created in our own homes—this year offers a beautiful opportunity to try something entirely new.

Adding fresh practices to your celebration can deepen your connection to the holiday and bring joy to those around you. Below, you’ll find ideas that can help you infuse your Chanukah with creativity, meaning, and light. If you try one (or create your own new tradition), we’d love to see it! Share a photo and tag Shaare Emeth (@shaareemeth) on Instagram and Facebook so we can celebrate together.

May these new traditions brighten our lives, strengthen our community, and illuminate the world.

Happy Chanukah from all of us at Congregation Shaare Emeth!

Fresh Ideas for Chanukah 2025

  • Make Your Celebration Sustainable: Explore Hazon’s guide for tips on reducing waste, choosing eco-friendly gifts, and honoring the environment as part of your holiday observance.
  • Celebrate Global Jewish Traditions: Discover diverse recipes and customs from Jewish communities around the world through Jewish Diversity Stories’ Chanukah resources.
  • Support Interfaith Families: Check out 18Doors for articles that offer guidance on navigating December holidays with love and understanding.
  • Add Meaningful Action: Incorporate some or all of Keshet’s 8 Days of Action into your rituals to promote justice and inclusion.
  • Engage Children with Joy: Take advantage of the wonderful books, crafts, and activities curated by PJ Library to make Chanukah magical for the youngest members of your family.

This Chanukah, let’s embrace the spirit of innovation and connection. Whether you light candles, share stories, or take action for a better world, every spark matters. Together, we can create a season filled with light, hope, and love.

ABOUT

Leanne & Harvey Schneider

2026 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Harvey and Leanne Schneider have devoted their lives to strengthening both the Jewish and broader St. Louis communities through leadership, service, education, and a deep commitment to bringing people together.

A St. Louis native, Harvey Schneider attended local public schools before earning both his undergraduate business degree and law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Following graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After five years of federal service, he returned to St. Louis and became a partner in private law practice. Over a legal career spanning more than five decades, Harvey represented family-owned businesses and private individuals in a wide range of business matters.

Harvey’s commitment to civic and Jewish communal life has been equally extensive. He has served as President of Congregation Shaare Emeth, the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, the Central Agency for Jewish Education, the Little Symphony Concerts Association, and the Forever Young Club at the Missouri Athletic Club. In addition, he dedicated 26 years to public service on the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Town and Country, including three years as chairman.

After graduating from Washington University, Leanne Schneider spent a year studying in France. Upon her return to St. Louis, she became deeply involved in international student exchange programs, first with the Experiment in International Living and later with AFS, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections among people of different backgrounds. This commitment to building bridges naturally extended to her involvement with the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.

Leanne also taught French and Spanish at Brittany Junior High School before she and Harvey started their family. Throughout the years, she has shared her passion for education and community service by tutoring New Americans through the English Language School, serving on Congregation Shaare Emeth’s first Caring Committee, and volunteering as a reader with Ready Readers. Today, she continues to nurture her love of learning and literature through a book club that includes many members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Together, Harvey and Leanne have exemplified a lifetime of generosity, service, and leadership. Their dedication to education, interfaith understanding, civic engagement, and Jewish communal life has enriched countless lives throughout St. Louis. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of four, and their enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations.