CHARLESTON, S.C. – This year, December 25 marks not only the celebration of Christmas but also the first night of Hanukkah, a rare occurrence that hasn’t happened in nearly two decades.
This overlap arises from the differences between the Jewish lunisolar calendar and the Gregorian calendar, which governs the timing of Christmas. While Christmas is fixed on December 25, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, resulting in occasional coinciding dates.
Hanukkah, celebrated as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian Greeks in the 2nd Century BC. A key part of this celebration is the menorah, a multibranched candelabra that symbolizes the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when the Temple was recaptured, despite only having enough for one day.
In Downtown Charleston, the Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue, the oldest continuously active orthodox Ashkenazi congregation in the United States, hosted a festive Chanukah bash to mark the occasion. The event featured Hanukkah songs, a Chinese dinner, a dreidel tournament, and the lighting of the menorah, along with traditional fried foods like potato pancakes and doughnuts that represent the holiday’s significance.
In a display of community support, attendees participated in making cards for soldiers in Israel. Rabbi Yosef Bart emphasized the importance of solidarity with those at the front lines, contributing a personal touch to the celebrations.
Rabbi Bart expressed joy at the turnout, highlighting the unity and pride of the Jewish community. “It’s wonderful to have so many join together to celebrate and showcase our spiritual strength,” he said.
Community member Dr. Jacob Rispler noted the gathering’s inclusive nature, with members from various branches of Judaism coming together to make the holiday festive.
The celebrations for Hanukkah will continue until January 2, fostering a spirit of joy and community unity.
This dual celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultural and religious traditions that exist within our communities. It is a beautiful representation of how diverse backgrounds can come together in celebration, which ultimately fosters understanding and solidarity among different faiths.
Summary: December 25 this year coincides with the first night of Hanukkah, celebrated in a festive gathering at Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue in Charleston. The event highlighted traditions of the holiday, community solidarity, and unity among various branches of Judaism, while celebrations will continue through January 2.