LI clergy members share their most cherished holiday memory

This year, Long Islanders celebrate two religious holidays on Dec. 25: Christmas Day and, at sundown, the first night of the eight days of Hanukkah. This week’s clergy discuss their favorite memories of past holidays.

MADISON COLQUETTE
Student Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock

Growing up, my family always had an Advent calendar. Every morning I was excited to open the day’s door and greet the mystery of what was inside. I now recognize the preciousness of this as a practice — one that invited us to mark each new day as we prepared for our celebration of Christmas. Picture an Advent calendar, see one of the doors on the calendar, the one marked with the day’s number indicating its turn. Imagine opening the door, awaiting a surprise on the other side. How can we, during this season of waiting and anticipation, embody this practice of opening that calendar door and being present to something new or unexpected? Advent invites us to be intentional during the season’s hurried busyness. Advent invites us to a daily practice that connects us not only to the loved ones we open doors with, but with those who wait and practice daily presence as we do. As we journey through the remaining weeks of this season, may we embrace Advent’s reminder that presence is not a distant goal but a daily practice. May we continue to faithfully practice presence and connection with ourselves and each other through this season and beyond.

RABBI LYLE S. ROTHMAN

Associate Rabbi, The Community Synagogue, Port Washington

Even though Hanukkah is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it has become synonymous with parties, family gatherings and, of course, presents. While I have never been opposed to the Americanization of the holiday, my understanding of its importance has certainly evolved as I have gotten older. It’s hard to pick just one cherished memory of Hanukkah, because at 42 years old, I certainly have many. So, I want to focus on the commandment to publicize the miracle of the Hanukkah lights. Many years ago, I received a folding travel menorah so I could take Hanukkah with me wherever I went. Over the years I have used it in many places, but in 2018 I brought it with me to Abu Dhabi as part of a multifaith delegation of rabbis, evangelical pastors and imams. Standing on the balcony of my hotel room, overlooking the city, I proudly kindled my Hanukkah menorah to proclaim my Judaism at a time of darkness. Little did I know, a few days later, news would break that with protection from the United Arab Emirates, the Jewish community could quietly step out of the shadows. With God’s help, the wondrous deeds of the past are sometimes repeated today. All we need to do is proudly display the light for all to see.

THE REV. MONSIGNOR JAMES C. VLAUN  

CEO and President, Catholic Faith Network, Uniondale

My grandmother’s crèche was the center of Christmas, displayed in their plastic slipcovered living room. Ceramic, she glazed it white with gold trim. On Christmas Eve, the grandkids were surprisingly allowed in that living room. Of course we were horsing around when my cousin threw a pillow that went into the crèche, knocking down the Angel announcing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” It broke. We panicked: Christmas canceled. We found some Elmer’s Glue and miraculously the glue held. Back on its perch, we breathed a sigh of relief: Christmas recovered! My grandmother never said a word, but as we grew older that cracked Angel was obvious, she knew, but love had won! The birth of the Savior is about love that looks beyond the cracks! Jesus’ birth holds us together and allows us with our brokenness and “damages” to proclaim Glory to God in the Highest! It’s a world in need of repair! On Christmas we look beyond the cracks and find our hope in the Scriptures that proclaim, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; his name shall be Immanuel, which means God is with his people!” (Isaiah 9:2) Cracks and all! A blessed Christmas!