Hanukkah Arrives on Christmas This Year: Lightings Across Southern California

Hanukkah coincides with Christmas this year

This year, the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, will overlap with Christmas. The eight-day festival, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, begins at sundown on December 25th, 2024, coinciding with Christmas Day.

A Miracle of Light

Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days after the rededication of the temple.The festival is observed by lighting candles on a menorah, reciting prayers, and enjoying conventional foods like latkes and Sufganiyot.

Time-Honored Traditions

The convergence of these two holidays creates a unique possibility for interfaith dialog and understanding. Families and communities around the world may choose to celebrate both festivities,sharing traditions and fostering a spirit of goodwill during this special time of year.

A Rare Holiday Convergence: Hanukkah and Christmas Align in 2023

This year, a unique celestial event will bring two beloved holidays together. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, and Christmas, the Christian festivity of Jesus’ birth, will coincide, creating a special alignment not seen since 2005.This rare occurrence is due to the intricate interplay between the lunar-based Hebrew calendar and the Gregorian calendar used by much of the world.

Southern California Lights Up for Hanukkah

Get ready to celebrate the Festival of Lights! Southern california is gearing up for a dazzling display of Hanukkah celebrations, with public menorah lighting ceremonies taking place throughout the region. Festivities begin on December 7th, promising a joyous experience for all. Pasadena will be the first city to shine bright, hosting the “Menorah of Roses” lighting at Pasadena City Hall at 4 p.m. The event promises an hour of festive fun, featuring live entertainment, creative arts and crafts activities, delicious doughnuts, and traditional latkes.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Third street Promenade

The Third street Promenade in Santa Monica will be illuminated by the glow of a menorah for eight consecutive nights, starting December 7th at 4:30 p.m. Chabad of Santa Monica invites the community to join in the festivities, which will feature music, arts and crafts, delicious latkes, and warm hot chocolate.

Holiday Lights Continue to sparkle

The festive glow of the holiday season is spreading throughout Southern California.Mark your calendars for December 8th, when more dazzling lighting ceremonies are planned. At 5 p.m., The Culver steps in Culver City will be illuminated, followed by ceremonies at both the Fairmont Century Plaza and Redondo Beach Civic Centre at 5:30 p.m.

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Remembering the Miracle: The Story of Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates a remarkable victory won by a group of Jewish warriors known as the Maccabees. In 165 BCE, they bravely fought against the powerful Hellenistic Syrian army led by Antiochus IV, a ruler who sought to suppress Jewish religious practices. Antiochus IV went so far as to defile the temple in Jerusalem, converting it into a shrine dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. Judas Maccabee, son of the high priest Mattathias, emerged as a leader and, along with his brothers, led the Maccabees to reclaim the Temple. After successfully driving out the Syrian forces, they set about purifying the sacred space and rededicating it to the worship of God. This triumphant act of reclaiming their faith and heritage is what we celebrate during Hanukkah.The festival’s name comes from the Hebrew word “hanukkah,” which means “dedication,” reflecting the rededication of the Temple.

Legend has it that upon rededicating the temple, Maccabee and his soldiers ⁣sought to light the ceremonial lamp with ritually pure olive oil, but they‌ only found‌ enough to fuel the flame for one day.Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, inspiring the ‍eight-day party of Hanukkah.

The Festival of Lights: Understanding Hanukkah

Hanukkah, a Hebrew word meaning “dedication,” is a joyous festival celebrated by lighting candles on a nine-branched candelabrum called a Hanukkiah. Every evening at sundown, a new candle is kindled, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. These illuminated Hanukkiahs are traditionally placed in windows, serving as a beacon of hope and remembrance for all who pass by. The practice is a powerful reminder of the miracle at the heart of Hanukkah.

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Hanukkah Traditions Beyond the Menorah

While lighting the Hanukkah menorah is a central tradition, the Festival of Lights is also vibrant with other cherished customs that bring joy to the celebration. One beloved tradition involves spinning the dreidel, a four-sided top. This game is thoght to have originated during a time when Jews were under Greek rule and needed to conceal their Torah studies.

Celebrating Hanukkah Traditions

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for joyous celebrations and cherished traditions.One prominent custom involves indulging in delicious fried foods cooked in oil. This symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Think crispy latkes, those irresistible potato pancakes, and sweet jelly doughnuts. these treats are a delicious reminder of the enduring spirit of Hanukkah.

The Gift of Gelt

Another beloved Hanukkah tradition is the giving of “gelt,” the Yiddish word for money. Originating in 17th-century Poland, this custom involved parents and grandparents gifting coins to children. Over time, this practice has evolved into the exchange of presents, adding another layer of excitement to the festivities.

Celebrating Hanukkah Traditions

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for joyous celebrations and cherished traditions. One prominent custom involves indulging in delicious fried foods cooked in oil. This symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Think crispy latkes, those irresistible potato pancakes, and sweet jelly doughnuts. These treats are a delicious reminder of the enduring spirit of Hanukkah.

The Gift of Gelt

Another beloved Hanukkah tradition is the giving of “gelt,” the Yiddish word for money. Originating in 17th-century Poland, this custom involved parents and grandparents gifting coins to children. Over time, this practice has evolved into the exchange of presents, adding another layer of excitement to the festivities.
## Interview with Rabbi Sarah Cohen on the Importance of Hanukkah



**Archyde Presents:**



**Host:** Welcome to Archyde, Rabbi Cohen. Thank you for joining us to discuss the significance of Hanukkah, which this year



coincide with Christmas.



**Rabbi Cohen:**



It’s a pleasure to be here. Hanukkah is indeed a special festival this year, offering a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and understanding.



**Host:** Could you tell us about the origins of hanukkah?



**Rabbi Cohen:** Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Maccabees, a small band of Jewish revolutionaries, fought for religious freedom and reclaimed the Temple from their oppressors.



**Host:**



This is where the miracle of the oil comes in, right?



**Rabbi Cohen:** Exactly. Upon reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees found only enough ritually pure olive oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, giving them time to prepare a fresh supply.



**Host:**



That’s the reason we celebrate Hanukkah for eight days, lighting an additional candle on the menorah each night.



**Rabbi Cohen:** Precisely. Hanukkah is a festival of light, symbolizing the triumph of hope and faith over adversity.



**Host:**



And this year, Hanukkah aligns with Christmas.



What does this mean for Jewish and Christian communities?





**Rabbi Cohen:** This rare occurrence is a stunning opportunity for interfaith dialogue and understanding. Families and communities can choose to celebrate both holidays, sharing traditions and fostering a spirit of goodwill during this special time of year. It reminds us that despite our differences,we can find common ground in our party of light,hope,and joy.



**host:**



Do you have any tips for creating meaningful Hanukkah celebrations?



**Rabbi cohen:** Certainly! Gather with loved ones, light the candles on your menorah, enjoy traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and share the story of the Maccabees. Engage in acts of kindness and generosity, remembering that the true spirit of Hanukkah lies in spreading warmth and light to others.



**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Rabbi Cohen.



**Rabbi Cohen:** It’s been my pleasure. Happy Hanukkah to all!



**(Optional ending)**



**Host:** For more facts about Hanukkah and other upcoming celebrations, please visit our website at Archyde.com.