It's Not Jewish Christmas . . .

Many Christians think Hanukkah is the Jewish version of Christmas.  Which of course is not the case.  It is a uniquely Jewish celebration rooted in the story of the Maccabees and their success in regaining the Temple after it had been desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes and his troops in the second century BCE.  The observance of the eight-
day festival includes the well-known lighting of eight candles, one for each night of the festivities, and the recounting of the lovely story of lamp oil that lasted just long enough.  

At root, though Hanukkah is all about religious freedom, and the importance of preserving it.  A value to which any person of faith can ascribe.  And, for that matter, so long as religious freedom includes the right to practice no religion, any person period.

The great diversity of religious practices and traditions in our country is especially dear, and part of what makes America what it is today.  Still, the lessons of Hanukkah are often missed, and there are those who insist all should believe as they do.

One of the things I most treasure about serving here at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is the fact that we share our building, and various aspects of our life including at various time educational events, worship, travel and community outreach, with Bat Yam, Temple of the Islands.  While we all openly acknowledge the ways in which we are different in beliefs and practices, we also strive to celebrate our commonalities.  And because of religious liberty, we are free to do so.

Sunday, December 5, we will be joining together for a joint celebration, exploring together both Hanukkah and Christmas traditions with special music, readings by my colleague Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and myself, as well a the lighting of the Second Advent Candle and the Eighth Candle of Hanukkah.    

Any who read this who are on Sanibel or nearby are welcome to join with us, Sunday, December 5, at 5:00 PM at our shared address:  2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Florida.