This year holds special significance as Hanukkah and Christmas begin on the same day, December 25th, 2024 – a rare alignment that reminds us how light and hope unite people of different faiths. As Jewish families kindle their first Hanukkah lights, Christian neighbors will be celebrating their holiest day, creating a beautiful moment of shared celebration in our community.
As we gather to celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, we remember the profound struggle for religious freedom that this holiday represents. Over two thousand years ago, the Maccabees fought not merely for survival, but for the fundamental right to practice their faith freely and openly.
The story of Hanukkah resonates deeply in today’s world of rising antisemitism. When the Seleucid Empire attempted to suppress Jewish religious practices and impose their own beliefs, a small group stood up against this oppression. They fought not for power or territory, but for the basic human right to worship according to their individual conscience.
Today, as we light each candle of the hanukkiah, we illuminate more than our homes. Each flame represents:
– The courage to stand up for our individual beliefs
– The strength to resist oppression from those more powerful than us
– The commitment to protect religious freedom for all and not only one group
– The wisdom to learn from our past while building a better future for our children
In an era where religious intolerance still casts shadows even in our county, Hanukkah’s message burns brighter than ever. The festival reminds us that religious freedom is not just a Jewish value, but a universal human right – one that must be protected and celebrated for all peaceful faiths and traditions.
May the lights of Hanukkah inspire us to stand strong in our convictions while respecting and protecting the religious freedoms of others. Let us work together to create a county in Oregon where all people can celebrate their faith openly and proudly, just as the Maccabees fought to do so many years ago.
Chag Sameach – Happy Hanukkah!
