Unity in Celebration: Hanukkah and Christmas Shine Together in Winter Park

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Hundreds of people gathered in Winter Park, Florida, on Wednesday to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah along Park Avenue. This year marked a unique occurrence, as the beginning of Hanukkah coincided with Christmas for the first time since 2005.

The celebration was organized by Chabad of Greater Orlando, marking its 25th year of hosting the festive event. Attendee Jacquie Berger expressed the joy of the dual celebration, noting the special atmosphere where both Jewish and Christian communities could share in the festivities.

The evening included a variety of activities such as live music, face painting, a dog show, and culminated with a grand menorah lighting. Rabbi Dovid Dubov highlighted the significance of this overlap, pointing out that such a confluence will not occur again until 2035. He emphasized the deeper meanings of Hanukkah, which revolves around the theme of bringing light into the world, suggesting that even small acts of goodness can have substantial impacts.

This celebration, one of the largest events hosted by Chabad, is open to all and fosters unity and goodwill among various communities. As Hanukkah continues for eight nights until January 2, this year’s festivities encourage all to embrace the message of hope, kindness, and light.

This yearly event not only brings joy to the local Jewish community but also strengthens interfaith connections, showing that diverse beliefs can come together in celebration and mutual respect.

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