At a time when the world needs new sources of inspiration, Chanukah Anew brings new songs and educational materials to Jewish families, synagogues and teachers.
Chanukah Anew launched in 2024 with the release of As We Dream of Peace. Dreams of peace are even more important this year as humanity continues to struggle with war and violence.
In 2025 we released our second album, Not By Might, setting to music a beloved Hebrew Bible verse which is read in synagogues across the world on Chanukah, because the rabbis of the Talmud didn’t want to glorify war (and neither do we):
Not by might, not by power, but through My Spirit!
In keeping with the rabbinic tradition, our transformative project reframes Chanukah from the story of an ancient conflict to a celebration of nature, family, community, and peace.
For thirty years, Rabbi Naomi Steinberg has shared her Chanukah teachings from her home on the Redwood Coast of Northern California.
“Living in the forest, beyond the reach of light pollution, the long, dark winter nights brings the spirit of Chanukah to life. It’s a time for reflection, connection, and envisioning a peaceful world”
This wisdom, rooted in nature and community, shapes the heart of Chanukah Anew. We explore the balance of light and darkness—a theme often overlooked in mainstream celebrations—by encouraging deeper reflection on natural cycles, spiritual traditions, and cultural diversity.
Popular culture tends to extol light and disparage darkness, contributing to racial prejudice and negative attitudes toward wilderness. Drawing on traditional and contemporary mystical insights, Chanukah Anew invites us to think beyond binary categories, exploring the interplay of light and dark that is essential to human spirituality and the natural world we call home.
We hope to bring Rabbi Naomi’s songs and teachings to millions of families and schoolchildren worldwide. In addition to beautiful recordings, the project offers free educational resources, including a digital songbook and school curricula on our TEACH page. These materials offer fresh perspectives for both Jewish and non-Jewish educators, emphasizing the winter season, the warmth of family, and the pursuit of peace.
With engaging curriculum materials, Chanukah Anew promotes positive representations of Jewish culture, fostering inclusivity, reducing prejudice, and preventing antisemitic attitudes from taking root in young minds.
Please join us and experience the beauty and promise of the beloved winter festival!
