Assimilation is often spoken about with fear in Jewish conversations, as if it inevitably leads to the loss of Jewish identity. Mordecai Kaplan challenges this assumption in his Chanukah essay “In Praise of Active Assimilation,” offering a more nuanced way to think about how we might engage with surrounding (and often dominant) culture.

Kaplan distinguishes between passive and active assimilation. Passive assimilation happens when we absorb the dominant culture so completely that our traditions and values fade away. This is interesting in light of post-halakhic Judaism, but that is for a different newsletter.  Active assimilation is a conscious process in which we adopt aspects of the broader culture in ways that deepen and strengthen Jewish life rather than replace it. Of course, this comes with the risk of change.

For all that Chanukah is about getting rid of the tyranny of the Greek ideology and resetting Jewish worship, it seems that subsequent generations of Jews remained Hellenized to some degree. Engagement with Greek philosophy in the Middle Ages helped shape Jewish theologies and created study bonds with our neighbors. We could see the Septuagent as an attempt to bring Jewish ideas into conversation with the wider world. 

Seen this way, the Chanukah story is not about rejecting outside influence entirely. Instead, it is about resisting the loss of Jewish identity in the swirl of an occupying and tempting culture. The Maccabees fought not against Greek culture itself, but against the erasure of Jewish values.

Chanukah therefore offers an enduring lesson: Jewish life thrives when it can engage openly with the surrounding culture while remaining rooted in its own traditions. The challenge, then and now, is finding that balance — embracing what enriches Judaism, and resisting what threatens to diminish it.

This Chanukah, celebrate the Festival of Lights through the beauty of art, creativity, and tradition with our Online Chanukah Gift Calendar.

For $18, you’ll receive an email that unlocks a new artistic surprise each night of Chanukah — a blend of beauty, reflection, and light. Each evening reveals something to uplift the spirit: a piece of music, a short video or artwork, a creative project, or an inspiring reflection designed for contemplation and hope.

May your Chanukah be filled with light, creativity, and peace.

More Chanukah gifts to give!