Celebrate Chanukah sustainably and honor our responsibility to the planet.
Rooted in Jewish values like Bal Taschit (do not waste) and Shomrei Adamah (Guardians of the Earth), this challenge offers nightly actions to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create meaningful memories. From eco-friendly decorations to gifts with minimal environmental impact, each night brings a new opportunity to light up the holiday with care for the Earth and each other.
Chanukah is a time for light, joy, and togetherness. Observing these values in line with Jewish principles such as Bal Taschit, Shalom Bayit, Laasot Zichronot, and Shomrei Adamah offers a deeper connection to the season. Together, they create a meaningful celebration that honors our faith, family, and environment.
- The principle of Bal Taschit, or “do not waste,” teaches us to minimize all wastefulness. During Chanukah, this can mean using reusable or recyclable materials for wrapping gifts, choosing natural candles like beeswax, or repurposing decorations each year. By embracing Bal Taschit, we honor a tradition of mindful consumption that respects the Earth’s resources.
- Shalom Bayit, maintaining peace in the home, is even more important during Chanukah. Celebrating in ways that foster harmony, such as shared traditions or spending quality time with family, strengthens our relationships and brings warmth to our homes. Choosing activities that reduce stress and bring joy, like a family board game night or cooking together, helps us to focus on what matters most.
- Laasot Zichronot (making memories) reminds us that experiences can be more meaningful than material gifts. Creating special Hanukkah memories can be as simple as lighting the menorah together, telling family stories, or playing dreidel, forging lasting bonds and celebrating the holiday in ways that leave a lasting impact.
- Shomrei Adamah asks us to be “guardians of the Earth.” As we celebrate Chanukah, we can make choices that protect the environment, such as walking to the store instead of driving, planting a tree in honor of the season, or using energy-efficient lighting. Embracing Shomrei Adamah connects us to the land, ensuring that the celebration honors both our heritage and our planet.
Action Items
Chanukah can be a time for both joy and eco-friendly practices that align with Jewish values, respecting both the holiday’s spirit and the environment.
How can you observe an eco-friendly Chanukah?
Holiday Used Toy Drive
The season of giving is a perfect time to help needy children while also reducing waste. Host a used toy drive where families can donate gently used toys, giving them a second life while fostering a sense of community and sustainability across all holiday traditions.
Environmentally Friendly Chanukah Practices
Introduce “Green Menorah” practices by using beeswax or soy candles, natural and eco-friendly alternatives to standard paraffin candles. Use recyclable or reusable materials for gift wrapping, such as cloth or newspaper. Locally sourced gifts can reduce carbon footprints while supporting local artisans.
Bal Tashchit (Do Not Waste) Challenge
The Jewish principle of Bal Tashchit teaches us to avoid wastefulness. Minimize waste throughout Hanukkah by reducing disposable products and reusing materials. Track family efforts and share ideas to encourage eco-consciousness within your community.
Sustainable Dreidel Workshop
Bring creativity and tradition together by organizing a workshop to create dreidels from upcycled or sustainable materials like wood or clay. This hands-on activity is a great way to teach children about the value of sustainability.
Plant a Tree for Chanukah
Embrace the spirit of renewal by planting a tree in honor of someone in place of a gift. For those without outdoor space, consider donating to a tree-planting initiative that supports reforestation efforts. This gesture not only honors the festival but also contributes to a lasting, positive impact on the planet.
Give an Experience as a Gift
Sharing an experience requires no gift wrap or packaging. A concert, dining together, or a simple walk through a beautiful park gives an eco-friendly and lasting gift: a memory.
Benefits of Giving Experiences Instead of Gifts
Gifting experiences instead of material items reduces the waste associated with packaging, transportation, and gift wrap, helping to protect the planet while creating meaningful memories with loved ones.
Give gifts that are personal and waste-free.
Skip Wasteful Packaging: Store-bought gifts usually come with plastic wraps, cardboard, and paper, that all end up in landfills. Gifting experiences bypasses the need for wrapping paper, packaging, and receipts, making your Hanukkah celebrations gentler on the Earth. Ordering products online means delivery trucks that produce emissions, impact air quality and contribute to climate change.
Thoughtful, Low-Impact Experiences: A simple walk in the park can be an ideal way to connect with friends and family. Enjoying nature is grounding and offers a peaceful setting to bond, share stories, or reflect on the season’s themes of resilience and renewal. Even a local hike or a stroll through a community garden can make for an unforgettable experience that supports well-being and the environment.
Crafting Together: Plan a crafting session using recycled materials or items you already have at home. Make Chanukah decorations, homemade dreidels, or candles, embracing the spirit of “Bal Tashchit” (do not waste) while enjoying each other’s company.
Celebrate Music Together: Instead of purchasing music, gather for a “listening party” of your loved one’s favorite album. Share stories about the songs and create new memories by appreciating the music together. This simple experience not only deepens your connection but also helps avoid the packaging associated with physical music products or additional electronics. If loved ones live far away, try a virtual listening party.
Screen-Free Connections: Play a board game (or even Dreidel) with family or friends instead of watching TV or videos on your phone. This activity can feel surprisingly intimate and is a fun way to enjoy some lighthearted bonding without relying on electronic or digital entertainment.
