Hanukkah presents a fantastic opportunity for an interfaith minister to integrate themes of hope and steadfast faith into the studies they share with their congregation. One need not be Jewish in order to enjoy this holiday, often called the Festival of Lights.
Being ordained into Universal Life Church means always striving to be a light in the dark for your congregation and for the world. That is why Hanukkah, with its emphasis on lights, prayer, and gift-giving is such a compatible holiday to express these virtues.
For eight days, followers of the Jewish faith immerse themselves into a time of prayer and celebration. Many people are familiar with the eight days of presents that mark Hanukkah, but few understand the deep cultural and spiritual bedrock upon which this holiday is built. If you desire to be ordained as a leader, educating yourself on the wonder of Hanukkah will help you discover roots of faith that trace back millennia.
The celebration marks the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in the second century BC, during which time the Maccabeas led a revolt. It marks a miraculous event in which a supply of oil sufficient for only a single day lasted eight days. Writings that chronicle this event appear in the Talmud as well as the book of Maccabees. This is why Hanukkah is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. For this reason, it often draws comparisons to the Hindu festival of lights, called Diwali. Diwali is the most important annual festival in all of India. At the end of the autumn harvest each year, the people of India set clay lamps containing burning lights outside their home as a symbol of our inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, a similar sentiment to the message of Hanukkah.
Candle lighting is a beautiful opportunity for a minister in the Universal Life Church to participate in a spiritual tradition. While many people are familiar with the image of the Menorah, few know the deep tradition and blessings behind this event. Beginning with the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the right side of the Menorah. Each of the following seven nights, a new candle is lit in order. Right to left is the traditional pattern by which to light. Candles should burn for half an hour prior to sunset. Blessings are then said over the candles. Three blessings are said on the first night, while two blessings are said for the next seven evenings. The activity of candle lighting is on opportunity to bring some fun and interactive activities to your group meetings or online church community.
Like most celebrations that involve family, Hanukkah is famed for its own festive menu of delicious foods. Holding a potluck with some of these foods is a great way for a Universal Life Church interfaith minister to help his congregation participate in the fun. One of the most simple desserts of the season are jelly donuts topped with simple powdered sugar. Another favorite is Potato Latkes. These are fried potato pancakes often served with a side of applesauce. Gelt, or chocolate coins, are generously shared with children throughout Hanukkah and are often used as bets in a game of spinning a dreidel, which is like a top.
Universal Life Church seeks the universal spirituality that unites all people. Whether for a congregation or online church, participating in the wonder of Hanukkah can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. Toe be ordained an interfaith minister is to commit yourself to being a conduit of cooperation and understanding that celebrates the truth and beauty of the world’s communication with the Creator. In order to fulfill your potential as an interfaith minister, it is critical to integrate the teachings and traditions that have a place in Jewish roots.