As the holiday season unfolds, Temple Emanuel and the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis are joining forces to host an event dedicated to fostering understanding of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Scheduled for Dec. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the program highlights the importance of interfaith education in promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of religious traditions.
“This event is not only a time to learn about Hanukkah but also to celebrate this festive season with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” said Mary Pederson, program coordinator for the Interfaith Partnership. “It’s an opportunity to broaden religious literacy, ensuring that people of all faiths feel valued and appreciated.”
How Temple Emanuel fosters interfaith connections
Interfaith Partnership, which represents more than 30 faith communities, has a long history of creating opportunities for dialogue and learning across religious lines. The Jewish Holy Days series, led by Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh of Temple Emanuel, began earlier this year with programs on Pesach (Passover) and the High Holy Days. The Hanukkah event marks the conclusion of the series and reflects the Partnership’s broader mission of “deepening understanding, respect, and appreciation among all persons across lines of religious difference.”
“Temple Emanuel has always been a place of welcome for all people,” Hersh said. “When we learn together, we recognize the Divine in one another. That understanding helps to break barriers of hate and build connections rooted in civility and open hearts.”
Hersh emphasized the joy of shared learning, noting how much she learns from participants in these events. “I love embracing the ‘ah-ha’ moments,” she said. “I love when we connect our thoughts to build upon each other’s words and ideas. Jewish tradition says we learn much from our teachers, and a great deal from one another, but we mostly learn from our students.”
A celebration of Hanukkah’s deeper meaning
Hanukkah, often overshadowed by Christmas, offers profound lessons in resilience and hope. Pederson hopes attendees will come away with a greater understanding of the holiday’s historical significance and its timeless message that “miracles can still exist during difficult times.”
With interactive discussions led by Hersh and traditional treats like jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot), the evening promises to engage and educate participants from diverse backgrounds.
As interfaith families and individuals increasingly seek ways to honor multiple traditions, events like this one serve as a reminder of the power of shared learning to create a more inclusive and welcoming community.
RSVPs are required for security purposes. Email Andrew Goldfeder to register.
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