At NDB, Hanukkah is a meaningful period for Jewish students and staffulty, providing an opportunity to celebrate their faith, culture and cherished traditions. For those who observe the holiday, it is a window to embrace ideas of unity, perseverance and gratitude. Though the Jewish community at NDB is relatively small, Hanukkah creates space for students to honor their identity, celebrate their shared history and build ties with one another in ways that resonate deeply. The holiday offers a chance for reflection and an expression of pride in one’s cultural roots.
For many Jewish students, Hanukkah is a time-honored family celebration that carries a unique personal purpose exceeding its rituals.
“Even though I’m not as religious, I love the time spent with my family,” shared senior Sophia Dehaaff. “[We] have dinner and, you know, open presents together, and on the first night, specifically, we all take turns lighting our own Hanukkah. So, that’s like a tradition.”
Junior Elie Burchard expresses similar feelings, explaining that the holiday connects her to her family heritage.
“Lighting the menorah every night with my sister and having my grandfather join us is really important,” said Burchard. “I think it really helps me feel closer to my family members and all the people who have come before us, celebrating the same things we do.”
This sense of closeness extends beyond family and into the NDB community where efforts to respect Jewish traditions are appreciated by students and staffulty alike.
“I knew, when I first started teaching here, that this was a Catholic school. I knew that I wasn’t expecting anything. I had zero expectations. And then, the community, administration, teachers, students have come to me for input, for ideas,” remarked Social Science Teacher Wendy Connolly.
This inclusivity fosters an environment where Jewish people feel seen and supported, a sentiment reflected in thoughtful gestures, like NDB’s menorah display.
“I think [NDB] always has a little … stand with the menorah and the lights, which is nice,” said DeHaaff.
She appreciates how the school recognizes Hanukkah and showcases Jewish traditions, which helps create a welcoming atmosphere for those who celebrate.
In addition to acknowledgment, the celebrations allow sharing of the holiday’s deeper significance and dispel common misconceptions.
“I think most people, especially since we go to Catholic school, just sort of think of [Hanukkah] as, like, Jewish Christmas, which it isn’t,” explained Burchard. “It’s more reflective — It has a deeper story behind it.”
“It’s making awareness to the bigger community of Notre Dame, to everyone that there are other people here. There are other religions here,” shared Connolly, emphasizing the importance of such awareness.
For Jewish students and staffulty, Hanukkah at NDB is an occasion to honor their traditions and reflect on shared values. Whether celebrating with family or engaging in thoughtful school initiatives, the holiday deepens connections and promotes a sense of belonging. The possibility to learn from each other’s customs fosters respect and unity.
“We are small but mighty, and we have a voice, and we can do with it what we want,” stated Connolly.
At its core, Hanukkah at NDB is about more than apparentness — it is about cultivating a space where traditions are honored, bonds are strengthened and the community thrives.
