Hanukkah 2024/ Hanukkah on Christmas/ Jewish-Christian collaboration/ menorah lighting/ Hanukkah traditions/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ This year, Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day, a rare overlap that has occurred only four times since 1900. Rabbis see this as an opportunity for interfaith understanding and cultural collaboration, even as Jewish communities navigate ongoing global challenges and rising antisemitism.
Hanukkah on Christmas Day: A Quick Look
Key Points
- Calendar Rarity: Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day, December 25, for the first time since 2005.
- Interfaith Engagement: The overlap fosters opportunities for collaboration between Jewish and Christian communities.
- Cultural Events: Celebrations include unique events like Houston’s “Chicanukah” party blending Jewish and Latino traditions.
- Global Challenges: Rising antisemitism and conflicts in the Middle East create a somber backdrop for this year’s observances.
- Jewish Traditions: Lighting menorahs in public spaces continues as a symbol of religious freedom and resilience.
Hanukkah and Christmas Overlap This Year: A Rare Calendar Coincidence
Deep Look
Hanukkah and Christmas: A Rare Coincidence
In a rare convergence of calendars, Hanukkah, Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights, begins on Christmas Day this year. This overlap has only occurred four times since 1900, with the last instance in 2005. For Jewish leaders, it’s an opportunity to emphasize interfaith understanding and unity.
Rabbi Josh Stanton of the Jewish Federations of North America views this calendar coincidence as a chance for communities to learn from one another. “This can be a profound opportunity for collaboration and togetherness,” he said.
Cultural Celebrations Highlight Unity
One example of interfaith and intercultural engagement is Houston’s “Chicanukah” party. This unique event, held at Houston’s Holocaust Museum, brought Jewish and Latino communities together for a festive celebration featuring cultural foods like latkes with guacamole and mariachi performances of Jewish folk songs.
Rabbi Peter Tarlow of the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations emphasized the event’s significance amid rising hate crimes. “This is a way we can come together and show we support each other,” he said.
A Season of Challenges
While Hanukkah is typically celebratory, this year’s holiday comes during challenging times for Jewish communities. Concerns over antisemitism and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East cast a shadow over festivities.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union acknowledged these anxieties but encouraged Jews to proudly light menorahs and display them publicly as symbols of hope and resilience. “The menorah is not just for us; it’s for the world,” Hauer said.
Similarly, Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad-Lubavitch, which is organizing 15,000 public menorah lightings worldwide, emphasized the importance of maintaining visible celebrations despite concerns. “The only way through these difficult times is by standing stronger and shining brighter,” he said.
Why Is Hanukkah So Late This Year?
The timing of Hanukkah is dictated by the Jewish lunar calendar, with the holiday always starting on the 25th day of Kislev. Because the Jewish calendar doesn’t align with the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah can begin anytime from late November to late December.
This year’s late start has sparked interest, especially as it aligns with Christmas. The phenomenon gained pop culture traction in 2003 when the term “Chrismukkah” was popularized by the TV show The O.C., blending Jewish and Christian holiday traditions.
Emphasizing Jewish Traditions Amid the Holiday Season
Despite occasional fascination with Christmas among some Jewish families, there’s a growing trend of Jews deepening their connection to their own traditions. Stanton noted an increase in Jewish volunteerism and community engagement during the holiday season.
“The opportunity is to share how we celebrate Hanukkah,” he said. “It’s a holiday of freedom, hope, and showing proudly you are Jewish.”
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