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Hanukkah is coming! Share your light while fostering Jewish life

20/12/2024

This December 25th marks a significant occasion as Christmas Day coincides with the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle. This unique overlap invites reflection on the role of festivities in fostering connection, understanding, and inclusion. In Europe’s pluralistic and intercultural society, such a convergence provides profound opportunities to deepen interfaith dialogue and build bridges between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. 

It is a wonderful opportunity to once again experience the magic of sharing public spaces in an interfaith spirit, bringing people closer together with heartfelt wishes for peace and joy. 

Both Christmas and Hanukkah are rooted in the concept of sacred time—a period devoted to reflection, family, and tradition. This overlap emphasizes the importance of honouring the festive seasons of diverse groups, particularly celebrating and preserving Jewish traditions within the broader social fabric. By recognising and valuing Jewish festivities, society promotes respect for cultural and religious diversity, creating inclusive spaces for all. 

Access to shared urban spaces—where hanukiot and Christmas lights shine side by side—visibly affirms the coexistence of traditions and symbolizes a commitment to unity in diversity. These spaces not only showcase the unique essence of each faith but also serve as gathering points where communities celebrate together and learn from one another.  

These festive occasions also illustrate how urban spaces can transform into arenas of social and cultural dialogue, reflecting diverse European identities. They create opportunities for connection, even among different Jewish communities, enriching mutual understanding. 

This year’s overlap of Christmas and Hanukkah is more than a calendar coincidence—it is a testament to the power of celebrations to strengthen social cohesion. By uniting people around shared values of hope, light, and renewal, these sacred days remind us to honour Europe’s plural identity while cherishing its rich diversity. 

From NOA, we encourage you to share your light during these special days. Whatever your reason for celebration, may the warmth and joy of this season illuminate our shared future and bring happiness to all. 

The concepts of sacred time and shared spaces are only two important factors when considering how to foster Jewish life, and they will be elaborated on further in our forthcoming publication: NOA Guidelines on Fostering Jewish Life.  Watch for it in early 2025!