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Opinion: Chanukah is about the strength of faith and finding light even in the darkest of times

By , Guest Columnist Updated: December 19, 2025 2:31 PM CT | Published: December 14, 2025 4:00 AM CT
Micah Greenstein
Guest Columnist

Micah Greenstein

Rabbi Micah Greenstein is senior rabbi of Temple Israel of Memphis. 

The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views from guest columnists about topics of local interest and impact. Columns are subject to editorial review and editing for length and clarity. If you’re interested in having a guest column considered by The Daily Memphian, email Eric Barnes.

Biblical time is based on the moon, not the solar calendar we are used to.

This explains why Chanukah — spelled at least eight different ways in English — always falls on the 25th day of the lunar month of Kislev, which can range from late November to early January.

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