Hanukkah, Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day—a confluence that has occurred only four times since 1900. For many rabbis, this convergence presents a unique opportunity for interfaith engagement. Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America, overseeing interfaith initiatives, describes it as “a profound opportunity for learning and collaboration and togetherness,” emphasizing that the goal is mutual understanding, not proselytizing. He stresses the importance of “learning deeply from each other,” and allowing others “to see you as you see yourself.”
One example of this interfaith collaboration is a “Chicanukah” party hosted in Houston. This event, organized by several Jewish organizations, brought together members of the city’s Latino and Jewish communities for a cross-cultural celebration at the Houston Holocaust Museum. The menu reflected this fusion, featuring a latke bar with both traditional toppings (applesauce and sour cream) and Latino additions (guacamole, chili con queso, and pico de gallo), as well as sufganiyot and buñuelos. Even the mariachi band attempted a rendition of “Hava Nagila.” Erica Winsor, public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, highlights the shared values—faith, family, and heritage—that unite the participants. Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, notes the event’s growth from 20 attendees twelve years ago to approximately 300 this year, showcasing a desire for unity in the face of hate and division targeting both Jewish and Latino communities.
While Hanukkah is traditionally a joyous celebration, this year’s observance coincides with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and rising antisemitism, causing anxiety for some. Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union acknowledges these concerns but expresses confidence that the central tradition—lighting the menorah and displaying it publicly—will continue. He emphasizes that this public display is not just for the Jewish community but “for the world,” a symbolic act of sharing light and serving as “a light among the nations.” He agrees with Rabbi Stanton that the Hanukkah-Christmas overlap provides an exceptional opportunity to celebrate America’s diverse religious communities.
Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad-Lubavitch highlights the 50th anniversary of a significant public menorah lighting at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1974, emphasizing Hanukkah’s celebration of religious liberty. Chabad is organizing approximately 15,000 public menorah lightings this year worldwide. Despite anxieties surrounding antisemitism and political tensions, Seligson asserts that the Jewish community’s response is to stand stronger and “shine brighter than ever.” Rabbi Stanton echoes this sentiment, stating that safety comes not from hiding but from reaching out.
The unusual timing of Hanukkah this year stems from the Jewish calendar’s lunar basis, which is not synchronized with the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of Kislev, falling between late November and late December. The last time Hanukkah fell on Christmas Day was 2005, although the term “Chrismukkah” gained popularity earlier. This year, even Hallmark acknowledges the growing interest in exploring the interplay between these holidays with a new Christmas movie featuring a Jewish protagonist.
However, Rabbi Stanton cites research showing a rising trend among Jews seeking deeper connections to their traditions and community, and increased participation in charitable activities during the holidays. He concludes that this year’s Hanukkah provides an opportunity to share the holiday’s message of freedom and hope, proudly proclaiming one’s Jewish identity.