Holidays
Posted by: Barbara Bibel
As if we needed a reminder, the holidays are upon us. We can’t escape Christmas, with all of the decorations, advertisements, and music everywhere we go, but there are other celebrations at this season, too. Hanukkah begins a bit before sundown on Friday, a little earlier than usual because the candles must be lit before Shabbat (the Sabbath) . Although it is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, its proximity to Christmas has turned it into something more. The fact that it comemorates the first time in recorded history that people fought for religious freedom makes it an important observance. www.myjewishlearning.comhas more information. The African American community will observe Kwanzaa, a festival created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It celebrates family, community, and culture using ancient African traditions of “First Fruit” rituals. The official Kwanzaa Web site is at www.officialkwanzaawebsite.orgfor those who want to learn more about the holiday. Of course all of this happens around the time of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, so light plays an important role. Both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa observances include candle lighting. Christmas lights are everywhere. Winter Solstice celebrations take many forms and have ancient origins. http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm discusses them.
Happy holidays!
