Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights celebrated in Judaism, coincides with Christmas this year, a rare occurrence that has only happened a few times since the turn of the century. This unique overlap has sparked opportunities for interfaith dialogue and community engagement among different faiths.
Rabbi Josh Stanton, who serves as a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America, views this confluence as a chance for people of varying beliefs to learn from one another rather than attempting to convert anyone. He stated that the ideal of this gathering is rooted in understanding each other’s perspectives, allowing people to see themselves through the eyes of others.
A notable example of this interfaith celebration was the “Chicanukah” event held in Houston, which brought together Latino and Jewish community members. The event, organized by multiple Jewish organizations, provided an enriching cultural exchange at the city’s Holocaust museum. Guests enjoyed a fusion menu that combined elements from both traditions, including a latke bar with guacamole and chili con queso alongside traditional Hanukkah food like sufganiyot and buñuelos. The atmosphere was lively, with a mariachi band even attempting the beloved Jewish song “Hava Nagila.”
Erica Winsor, a public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, emphasized the values that unite these communities, such as faith, family, and cultural heritage. Rabbi Peter Tarlow, who leads the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, reflected on the growth of the Chicanukah event, which started with just 20 attendees twelve years ago and bloomed to around 300 this year, highlighting how it could have been even bigger if not for attendance limits. He pointed out the significance of cultivating mutual support in the face of rising division and hatred towards both Jews and Latinos.
Although Hanukkah is traditionally a joyous occasion, some rabbis expressed concern this year due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and incidents of antisemitism. Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union acknowledged the anxiety felt by many members of the Jewish community but underscored the importance of maintaining Hanukkah traditions, such as lighting the menorah and ensuring it is visible from public spaces. He described this act as a way for the Jewish community to share their light with the world, advocating for visibility in the face of challenges.
Hauer and Stanton both recognized the significance of this year’s concurrent holidays as a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of American faith communities. Rabbi Motti Seligson from Chabad-Lubavitch noted that this year marks 50 years since the public menorah lightings began, initiated by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, to celebrate religious freedom in a public setting. Despite some apprehension about open celebrations, Seligson urged the community to shine brightly, asserting that taking a stand is vital during these turbulent times.
As for the timing of Hanukkah this year, the explanation lies in the differences between the lunar-based Jewish calendar and the solar-based Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah commences on the 25th of Kislev, which varies on the Gregorian calendar, resulting in dates that can fall anywhere from late November to late December. The last occasion that Hanukkah began on Christmas Day was in 2005.
The blending of these two holidays has also seeped into popular culture, with the term “Chrismukkah” becoming well-known and even appearing in shows such as “The O.C.” This year, Hallmark Channel aired a new film, “Leah’s Perfect Gift,” which tells the story of a young Jewish woman experiencing Christmas through her boyfriend’s family, presenting the complexities that can arise from an interfaith setting.
Despite suggestions that some Jewish individuals may be captivated by Christmas, Rabbi Stanton noted research indicating that a greater number of Jews are turning toward their own heritage this year. Many are volunteering for charitable initiatives during the holiday season, symbolizing a return to their roots. Stanton encapsulated the spirit of Hanukkah as a celebration of freedom, hope, and the pride of being Jewish, offering a wholesome perspective amidst the surrounding challenges.
