Sunday, November 28 this year marks the beginnings of both Advent and Hanukkah. While each of us celebrates differently, we see many interfaith families finding ways to celebrate their various faiths together. Often times we can see similarities in how special events and religious holidays are celebrated including through prayer, food, gathering of family, and, as in the case of Hanukkah and Advent, maybe even a similar custom or item of importance such as ‘light’.
Hanukkah, which begins Sunday, November 28 and ends on the evening of Monday, December 6, is an eight-day holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following a Jewish victory in 165 BCE. The Temple had been seized by Assyrian soldiers, and, when it was restored into Jewish hands, a redemptive ritual of burning oil in the Temple’s menorah was planned. There was only one day’s worth of oil in the Temple, but the menorah was lit, and, miraculously, the oil lasted for the entire eight days of purification. Their resilience, drive, faith, and determination led to defeating one of the mightiest armies and reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day and lasts through Christmas Eve, on December 24. Observed by many Christian denominations, Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ through his birth, his future coming at the end of time, and his presence among us today. Beginning after the 4th century, Advent customs and observations have had many different variations and interpretations over time. One common custom held today is the lighting of an Advent wreath, which involves the lighting of one candle for each week of Advent. This is seen as a visual reminder that Jesus, for many, is a light to the world.
This is a time to remember that we can learn from one another and support each other in our beliefs. During this time, please remember that our students, TA's, GAs, faculty, and staff may observe this time filled with special blessings, food, and prayer.
UNC will hold a Menorah Lighting ceremony on Monday, November 29 at 3:15pm on the west patio of the University Center. Rabbi Gorelik of the Chabad Jewish Center of Northern Colorado will be lighting the Menorah. President Andy Feinstein and Associate Professor, Lynne Klyde-Allaman will share remarks. We look forward to seeing you there.
Take Action:
- Chaukah-Hanukkah 2021 Resource Website
- My Jewish Learning
- Sharing the Healing Light of Hanukkah - Eventbrite
- 10 Meaningful Advent Traditions to Try This Year
- Advent Virtual Mission in the Holy Lands - Eventbrite
- Attach the Hanukkah – Advent design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
