Saudi Arabia Welcomes Chanukah and Menorah Light

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a sprawling country located in West Asia, covering a significant portion of the Arabian Peninsula. With an impressive land area of 830,000 square miles, it holds the title of the largest nation in the Middle East.

Bordered by the Red Sea on the west and the Persian Gulf on the east, Saudi Arabia shares its northern borders with Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait. To the southeast lies Oman, and to the south, Yemen. The Gulf of Aqaba, in the northwest, separates it from Egypt and Israel, placing Saudi Arabia firmly at the crossroads of the Middle East and the Gulf region. Its location and size make it a central and influential player in this historic and dynamic part of the world.

Amid this backdrop of historical and geographical significance, my husband and I joined a group of Jewish tourists and embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia. We were filled with excitement and appreciation for an opportunity to shine a unique Light in that region of the world.
Packing for this trip felt different. When we travel the world, we take along kosher food, prayer books, Shabbat candles, tefillin, and abundance of Jewish pride. This time around,
we carefully included one more item: a Chanukah menorah. The timing was profound; our final day in this vibrant and evolving nation would coincide with the first night of Chanukah. The thought of lighting the menorah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a filled us with a deep sense of purpose.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a city that seamlessly blends modern innovation with deep-rooted tradition. Its recently launched rapid transit system—the world’s longest driverless route—has become a marvel, attracting throngs of visitors eager to witness its cutting-edge design. But our journey to this dynamic metropolis was driven by a different purpose. It wasn’t the city’s technological advancements that drew us, but the opportunity to ignite a spiritual light—a moment of connection that would unite Jewish souls with their Source and with each other in this unexpected and extraordinary place.

Our group represented the rich tapestry of Jewish diversity, hailing from different countries and cultures and speaking more than ten languages.

Despite our differences, we were bound by a shared mission—to bring the light of Chanukah to the heart of Saudi Arabia, specifically the iconic King Abdullah Financial District. On this last night of our trip, we emerged from the train station, holding a small menorah, ready to proclaim the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

The moment was imbued with profound significance. As the menorah was lit, the ancient blessings resonated through the crisp evening air, their timeless words reverberating with history and meaning: “Blessed are You… who performed miracles for our forefathers…” Against the imposing backdrop of Riyadh’s towering skyscrapers, the menorah’s modest flame burned brightly—a poignant symbol of light prevailing over darkness.

This act transcended the personal, reaching into the collective consciousness of a global Jewish community.

Our little menorah in Riyadh’s bench, illuminated not merely the physical surroundings but the spiritual essence of the moment—a declaration of resilience of our eternal nation. Empires rose and fell, yet the Jewish nation endures, its everlasting flame a testament to Divine Providence and an unyielding destiny. On this night, Saudi Arabia became an unexpected vessel for transformation, affirming that within every soul lies a spark capable of dispelling darkness and unveiling the world’s inherent light.

May the radiance of this profound. healing energy guide us toward a shared destiny infused with Divine clarity, compassion, and unity. Happy Chanukah to the entire world.