Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights in Judaism, will begin this year on Christmas Day, marking only the fourth occurrence of this coincidence since 1900. Some rabbis view the intersection of these two religious holidays as an auspicious opportunity for interfaith engagement. Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America, emphasized the potential for learning, collaboration, and unity. The goal is not to convert others but to deeply understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives.
One example of this unity was a Chicanukah party held in Houston, bringing together members of the Latino and Jewish communities for a cross-cultural holiday celebration at the Holocaust museum. The event featured a blend of both cultures, with dishes like latkes with guacamole, chili con queso, and a mariachi band playing “Hava Nagila.”
Rabbi Peter Tarlow of the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations highlighted the importance of shared values in bringing communities together. While this year’s Hanukkah is set against a backdrop of conflicts and antisemitism, the tradition of lighting menorah candles remains a symbol of hope and unity for many. Rabbi Moshe Hauer emphasized the significance of displaying menorahs in windows and public spaces as a way of sharing light with the world.
As the holidays coincide, rabbis like Stanton and Hauer see it as a unique opportunity to embrace the diversity of America and its various faith communities. Rabbi Motti Seligson from Chabad-Lubavitch noted the 50th anniversary of a milestone in public menorah lightings, emphasizing the importance of spreading light and unity during this festive season.
Outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell was once housed, Hanukkah is being celebrated as a commemoration of religious freedom. Rabbi Mendy Seligson emphasized the importance of not taking this freedom for granted, stating that one way to uphold it is by publicly celebrating the holiday. This year, Chabad is coordinating approximately 15,000 public menorah lightings worldwide through its various branches.
Seligson acknowledged the existing concerns about antisemitism and political tensions, noting that some individuals are questioning whether Jews will continue to celebrate as openly as before. Despite these challenges, he stressed the significance of standing stronger, prouder, and shining brighter during difficult times.
Echoing Seligson’s sentiments, Rabbi Moshe Stanton highlighted the resilience of the Jewish community throughout history, emphasizing that safety does not lie in hiding but in reaching out to others. The convergence of Hanukkah with Christmas in 2005 sparked the term “Chrismukkah,” a popular expression denoting the overlap of the two holidays. This concept gained momentum, particularly in 2003, when the character Seth Cohen on the TV series “The O.C.” embraced the blended celebration in honor of his Jewish father and Protestant mother.
Recently, the Hallmark Channel premiered a Christmas movie titled “Leah’s Perfect Gift,” depicting a young Jewish woman’s firsthand experience of the holiday season when invited by her boyfriend to join his family celebrations. Despite initial fascination with Christmas, the storyline encounters obstacles, underscoring the complexities of interfaith interactions.
While narratives like these may suggest an interest in Christmas among some Jews, Stanton highlighted a growing trend of Jewish individuals seeking deeper connections with their heritage and community. Research by the Jewish Federations indicates a rise in Jews engaging with their traditions and participating in charitable endeavors during the holidays. Stanton emphasized the opportunity to share the significance of Hanukkah as a holiday symbolizing freedom, hope, and Jewish pride.
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