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Hanukkah was green from the get-go!  Spertus builds on that tradition with environmentally and socially conscious gifts.

(CHICAGO) This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 21. Often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees—a family of Jewish fighters and their followers—over ancient Greco-Syrians who had outlawed all religions but their own. According to the Talmud (a sacred Jewish text), when the Jews were able to rededicate their Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the year 165 BCE, they found that there was only enough pure oil to light the Temple’s candelabra for one day.

A miracle occurred and the oil lasted for eight days and nights. The eight-day-long holiday has gained visibility in modern times, and is celebrated as an occasion to recount history, exchange gifts, and spend time with family and friends.

The story of Hanukkah—the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days—is truly a story of energy conservation. Hanukkah literally means dedication, making the holiday a great time to commit to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle and to share your environmental choices with family and friends. Spread the message by giving gifts that are environmentally and socially responsible. The Spertus Shop—at Chicago’s Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies—is the perfect place for unique green gifts for all of the people on your list. 

Angie Olami’s collection of necklaces, pins, and earrings are designed of repurposed iridescent Roman glass unearthed in Israel and dating from 100 BCE to 300 CE. The glass is hand cut to make one-of-a-kind jewelry for all occasions. The sterling silver in these stunning pieces is 93% recycled.  

Bamboo is the one of the fastest growing plants on Earth, making it a rapidly renewable resource. Fiber artist Anna Shapiro hand looms luxurious scarves and shawls out of 100% bamboo fiber—a material known for its breathability, softness, and eco-friendly qualities. Shiraleah—a home and fashion accessory line based in Chicago—offers a wonderful collection of hand-coiled and food-safe bamboo serving ware for your holiday celebration. 

Adorable, practical and eco-chic, Kee–Ka’s blankets, bibs and burp cloths are made with 100% organic cotton and low-impact dyes. In addition, Kee-Ka partners with international fair-trade and fair-wage groups in the production of its products. 

Light the menorah with Kassel’s handcrafted 100% beeswax candles or make your own with Kassel’s Hanukkah Candles Kit. Unlike toxin-emitting paraffin candles, beeswax is clean burning and non-allergenic, and is a renewable resource.

Spertus Shop sales associates are wonderfully helpful at picking just the right gift, and the shop ships anywhere. Purchases support Spertus programs, helping foster Jewish culture and education.

The Spertus Shop is located at 610 S. Michigan Avenue, in the lobby of the award-winning, environmentally sustainable, new Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. The Spertus Shop is open Sunday-Wednesday 10 am–5 pm, Thursday 10 am–6 pm, and Friday 10 am–3 pm. Spertus is closed Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath, but the Spertus Shop is also online at www.spertus.edu for shopping from home anytime. Michigan Avenue curbside

pick-up is available for emergency gift needs.

Spertus is a Jewish institution grounded in Jewish values that invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Through its innovative public programming, exhibitions, collections, research facilities and degree programs, Spertus inspires learning, serves diverse communities and fosters understanding, for Jews and people of all faiths, locally, regionally and around the world.

Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies is located at 610 S. Michigan Avenue. Its award-winning new facility, designed by Krueck & Sexton Architects, allows Spertus to better serve its longtime students and visitors and to meet the needs of new audiences with expanded programming. The new building contains enhanced classroom space for Spertus College, improved library space for the Asher Library, and expanded exhibition space for Spertus Museum, as well as a state-of-the-art theater for live performance and film, an innovative Children’s Center, space for community events and celebrations, a comprehensive book and gift shop, and the kosher Spertus Café by Wolfgang Puck.

The Spertus Shop is endowed by George & Mae Bariff.

Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies is a partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

For more information, please visit www.spertus.edu.