Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah.
While most of us in the United States are preparing for Christmas, the Jewish people of this country celebrate Hanukkah.
In Binghamton, there is a wonderful museum in a historic mansion that opens for a month every year, this year from November 27 to December 27. Run by volunteers, Hanukkah House is free (but donations to a local food pantry are accepted).
I have blogged about Hanukkah House before:
Hanukkah House Binghamton
The Dolls of Memory
And, about Hanukkah
A Hanukkah potpourri
Latkes
But this year, with the tragic synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and the continued rise of anti-Semitism in this country (right now New York State leads the nation), many Jews find themselves living in fear.
Can you imagine having to light candles in secret, or hide menorahs away from the public. But that has been necessary at various points in time.
It is a wonderful thing when communities band together to fight anti-Semitism, as at least two communities in Montana have done in past years.
But, for Jews, these remain scary times.
If you know of an anti-Semitic incident, feel free to report it here.
We can not stay silent, during this festival that tells the story of a struggle for religious freedom.
Every faith or should I would guess well over 90% celebrates.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
חג חנוכה שמח,לך,אלנה
ReplyDeleteWe must all find the courage to stand up and be counted against the anti-Semitism and other forms of racism or religious hatred that afflict our country. It's the only way this scourge will ever be put to rest. Happy Hanukkah.
ReplyDeleteI looked out the front door this evening and saw the neighbor's blue Hanukkah lights. They left Russia when the Soviet Union fell apart, heading first to Israel and then to our community. Enjoy your holiday.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hanukkah. Lovely menorahs. let's hope it never comes to that (hiding candles or the fact a person is Jewish) ever again.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hannukah
ReplyDeleteA couple truly classic performances. Peter, Paul and Mary are just timeless and their message is so pure and clear. The voices of crooners bring back a lot of Christmas memories and Bing Crosby was one of the best.
ReplyDeleteNor should anyone have to hide their religion away. Let's hope that this is an aberration and soon no one will have to fear practicing their faiths.
ReplyDelete