In a rare confluence of the Gregorian and Hebrew calendars, Christmas and Hanukkah overlap this year, offering a dual celebration of light and unity for many around the world. As reported by WRAL, the term “Chrismukkah,” popularized by the TV series “The O.C.” in 2003, reflects the blend of Jewish and Christian festivities that are especially poignant in 2024 as they share a start date of December 25. Among the celebrants, Rabbi Mendy Wilschanski from the Chabad Center of Raleigh emphasizes Hanukkah’s message, “The miracle of the oil lasting eight days reminds us to add light each night and spread it to the world.”
Meanwhile, in Arizona, Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, in a conversation obtained by ABC15, highlighted the significance of simple actions during the Festival of Lights: “So on Hanukkah, we light the menorah – one simple little candle. It’s not a big torch. It’s a very simple candle. The idea is that any simple small act makes a huge difference in the world around us.” These sentiments are echoed across the religious landscape as individuals find solace in collective expressions of faith, especially through public displays such as the 30-car menorah parade organized in Raleigh.
In other parts of the country, such as the Triangle area in North Carolina, Hanukkah holds a personal resonance with citizens cherishing traditions that have endured through generations. According to a CBS17 report, Mike and Elizabeth Ross celebrate with family rituals, including a treasured menorah over a century old that has witnessed history and emanates the tenacity of their ancestors. Their sentiment ties back to the holiday’s historical roots of overcoming oppression, a story shared by Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar from Chabad of Cary at public menorah lightings, who told CBS17, “For the Jewish people with a history, unfortunately, of persecution, it means so much to us when we can have our head up high, celebrate publicly, and then join with people of all faiths and celebrate together.”…