CHARLESTON, S.C. – This year, December 25 not only marks Christmas but also coincides with the first night of Hanukkah, a rare alignment that hasn’t occurred in nearly two decades. The Jewish festival, known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days.
Hanukkah’s date varies each year because it follows the lunisolar Jewish calendar, while Christmas is fixed on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar. The holiday honors the brave Maccabees, who triumphed over the Syrian Greeks in the 2nd Century BC, and features the lighting of a menorah, symbolizing the ancient miracle that took place when oil for the Temple’s menorah lasted longer than anticipated.
In Downtown Charleston, the Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue, recognized as the oldest continuous-use orthodox Ashkenazi congregation in the United States, hosted a vibrant Chanukah celebration. The event brought together members of the Jewish community for an evening filled with traditional festivities, including festive songs, a Chinese dinner, a dreidel tournament, and of course, the lighting of the menorah. Attendees indulged in traditional foods fried in oil, such as potato pancakes and doughnuts, which connect to the holiday’s themes.
Additionally, children participated in making cards for Israeli soldiers, reinforcing community solidarity and support for their counterparts overseas, as expressed by Rabbi Yosef Bart. He emphasized the importance of unity and spiritual strength among those who gathered, celebrating the holiday together regardless of their different Jewish backgrounds.
Dr. Jacob Rispler, another participant, praised the inclusive atmosphere, noting the gathering’s richness as people from various branches of Judaism—Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox—came together for the celebration. The joyous spirit of Hanukkah continues, with festivities set to last until January 2.
This confluence of holidays not only demonstrates the beauty of shared traditions but also underlines the resilience and unity of faith communities, highlighting how these gatherings foster connection and communal support during significant times of the year.