Musings: Celebrations bring us together
The first night to light a menorah on Hanukkah this year will happen on Christmas. Credit: Getty Images
This year, Hanukkah and Christmas are both celebrated on Dec. 25, and Kwanzaa starts a day later. This is not a common occurrence, and given the past year, is this more than a coincidence?
These symbols of peace and understanding are among us almost as one. They are three diverse holidays, yet they have similar rituals. They are celebrated with food, family, friends, and the lighting of candles.
Many display candles in the front window of homes. They indicate that these homes are filled with love, laughter and joy. The number of candles, the way we light them, and in some cases, the colors, have specific meanings.
My family attended a Thanksgiving interfaith service at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh on Nov. 24. Eleven congregations of different religions and traditions on Long Island came together as a larger community to worship as one, led by clergy from each house of worship, under the eternal light.
As 2024 comes to a close, I hope people take the time to reflect on the symbolism and the importance of what the lights represent as we look to a brighter future.
The Chinese New Year will begin on Jan. 29. One of the traditions is the lighting of a candle to bring good fortune. May the lighting of this candle bring good fortune and be another symbol that the light will never go out.
— Howard Lev, East Meadow
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