Festival of Daughters – A Hanukkah/Tevet Celebration

A Quote from Corrie ten Boom

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom

The Joy of Chag HaBanot: Honoring Women in Our Lives

Chag HaBanot, or the Festival of Daughters, is a cherished and vibrant tradition that celebrates the women and girls in our lives. This festival is deeply rooted in the Sephardic and Mizrahi heritage, particularly from North African Jewish communities such as those in Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. It is observed on Rosh Chodesh Tevet, today, December 20, 2025, which often coincides with the Hanukkah lights, adding a layer of festive joy to the occasion.

The festival is characterized by its warmth and uplifting spirit, as it radiates love, blessings, and the joyful continuity of family. It serves as an empowering bridge of love between generations, bringing them together through songs, dances, gifts, and special candle lightings. These elements create a sense of unity and shared heritage, allowing each family to bond in their own unique way and celebrate their distinct traditions.

Chag HaBanot is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the vital roles that women play in society. It features feasting, where families gather to enjoy traditional foods, and the passing down of customs and stories, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated. The festival highlights female heroism, celebrating the strength, wisdom, and contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary life.

Modern examples of women’s resilience and heroism showcase individuals like Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt to champion girls’ education globally; Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to summit Mount Everest; and everyday heroes like refugee mentor Nur Nahar, highlighting collective strength in crises, demonstrating that determination drives profound social change, personal triumph, and global impact. 

Overall, Chag HaBanot is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that not only celebrates the women and girls in our lives but also strengthens family bonds and preserves cultural heritage. 

Honoring The Women in Our Lives

My Mother

I’ll bet each one of us can think of at least one woman in our lives who stood against the odds and pushed through the barriers to go beyond the restrictions and expectations of others. That one woman in my life was my mother, Elinore Ahrens. Mom pushed every known barrier in her life. Coming from a highly dysfunctional alcoholic family, abandoned by her own mother as a baby, my mother fought for her children. She managed our home despite not being able to finish high school. She pushed herself to overcome obstacles and even went back to school to earn her GED when she was in her fifties. Afterward going on to pursue other academic achievements. 

She was an incredible prayer warrior and evangelist. She was always leading others to the Lord. When she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the 1970’s she practically went on a crusade to make sure every believer she knew received this amazing gift of God. Her life was anchored in listening to God and acting on what He revealed to her with faith and courage.

She pursued interest in Hebraic roots of Christianity when it was not only frowned upon but practically outlawed by some congregations. She never let religious dictates or her own shortcomings to stop her from pursuing God in her own way, giving me strong shoulders to stand upon.

Her example lived out before me every day has been a source of strength and faith. She never let past trauma stop her from reaching for the next goal. An incredible inspiration of faith, courage and determination, her memory inspires me to push beyond my own limitations, and reach toward the upward call in Christ Jesus. 

My Daughter In Law

Another woman in my life that I would like to honor today is my beautiful daughter in law Deidre. She is a loving mother and wife. She is one of those people who goes above and beyond with every task. She diligently watches out for the welfare of others and is fiercely protective. She is an overcomer in every sense of the word. She enriches our family with her courage, her laughter and her great love. 

 A Celebration of Women’s Light and Strength

Chag HaBanot reminds us of the brave and faithful women of our history, such as Judith, whose story is found in the Apocrypha and and Deborah from the bible, whose courage shines as brightly as the menorah. 

Judith and Deborah are shining examples of courage and faith in the Bible, each embodying the strength and wisdom celebrated during Chag HaBanot. Judith, with her boldness and unshakable trust in God, delivered her people from the threat of Holofernes by using her wit and bravery to strike down a powerful enemy. Her story reminds us of the quiet yet decisive strength that can change the course of history. Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, led with unwavering faith and righteous authority, guiding her people to victory against their oppressors alongside Barak. Her leadership and prophetic insight exemplify the power of a woman who listens to God and acts with courage, inspiring generations to rise with strength, wisdom, and devotion.

We Can All Join in the Celebration

For generations, this day has honored daughters, granddaughters, mothers, and brides—recognizing their strength, resilience, and the immeasurable ways they enhance our families and communities. Why. not start a New Tradition!

Everyone is welcome to take part in this heartwarming festival.

1. Blessings for Our Daughters and Granddaughters – Gather your loved ones and speak words of life and encouragement over the young women in your family.
2. Festive Meals and Sweet Treats – Prepare joyful meals filled with traditional honeyed desserts and pastries that symbolize love and sweetness.
3. Giving Thoughtful Gifts – Offer small tokens of love, heartfelt notes, and gestures of kindness that honor the women in your life.
4. Family Visits and Gatherings – Spend intentional time connecting across generations, and over miles by connecting over video chat with those you can’t visit directly. Bring the whole family together.
5. Community Participation – Organize or join events, storytelling circles, or cultural gatherings to celebrate the biblical stories and heritage of all women.

Chag HaBanot is a call to honor, uplift, and bless the women who illuminate our homes and communities. By joining in this celebration—together, across generations and around the world—we weave a tapestry of joy, strength, and enduring faith.to honor the women in your life. By embracing these traditions, we are not only honoring our daughters and granddaughters but also nurturing a legacy of love and faith that will carry on for generations.

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May the light of Chag HaBanot shine upon you, beloved daughters. May your hearts be filled with joy, your paths lined with wisdom, and your spirits strengthened with courage. May your tender hearted femininity be blessed, your strength be celebrated, and your voice be heard in every season of life. May you always know that you are a reflection of the Divine, radiant and powerful, and may your lives overflow with love, peace, and purpose.