Sunday, December 18, marks the start of the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, a tradition that originated in the second century B.C.E. The festival, its menorah, and its candle lighting ritual recall the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple. According to the Talmud, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day.

President George Washington, in his 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, referred to our citizens’ liberty of conscience and not just tolerance and further said:

May the Children of … Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.

Sunday, December 25, marks Christmas, a religious and cultural celebration dating back to approximately the third century A.D. that marks for some the end of Advent, and the Nativity, and for others, secular celebrations. The festival can last until the Twelfth Night. Christmas trees, lights, gift giving and cards are popular ways of celebrating the holiday.

We wish everyone a peaceful and enjoyable Holiday season!