Hanukkah – Dec 18-26
Hearing the story of Hanukkah from the Jewish faith tradition is a story about faith, steadfastness, and receiving confirmations from Our Creator on what we do.
Having only enough oil for 1 day and it lasting eight days after the rededication of the Holy Temple is a miracle, a miracle that supports the Jewish faith. Even though it happened thousands of years ago, it is still seen as a miracle that proves their faith.
Having it coincide with Christmas, a miracle celebrated by the Christian faith tradition where a child is born of God, makes December special for both Jews and Christians.
That is why saying ‘Happy Holidays’ is not dismissing Christmas, but it’s including Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and other Holy Days or Holidays celebrated by people in Sacramento.
That is what interfaith is all about. A willingness to learn about someone else’s faith traditions and practices, share your own and explore the commonalities that can unite us all.
Serene Erby
President