Have you ever seen a menorah shaped like a turkey? If not, you’re about to see a whole lot more of them sooner or later! This November 28th, we get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event: Thanksgivukkah! The American holiday Thanksgiving and the Jewish holiday Hanukkah fall on the same day this year, creating a hybrid celebration.
Here’s some brief history on the two holidays (for the ones who need a little brushing up on).
Hanukkah (also spelled as Chanukah) is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It celebrates the Jewish Maccabees fighting and driving the Syrian army out of Jerusalem and reclaiming their temple, as the Syrian king had been forcing Jews to worship Greek gods and had outlawed Jewish rituals. The holiday celebrates both the success of the rebellion and the miracle of the temple lights lasting for eight nights when there was enough oil for only one night. This is why Jews light the menorah one night at a time during Hanukkah!
Thanksgiving is different as it falls on the 4th Thursday of November. In early America, the pilgrims had it rough, as their lives were plagued by starvation and disease. Fortunately for them, the Native Americans taught them the tips and tricks to growing crops well, and the Pilgrims were able to pull through. They gave thanks to each other and celebrated, and thus came the holiday of Thanksgiving.
For anybody who doesn’t celebrate Chanukah, Thanksgiving will probably go on just as it always has. As for Jewish Americans, however, this day is a little different. Senior Jacob Oligschlaeger said, “We’re probably just going to kill two birds with one stone and celebrate both. It’s pretty much going to be Thanksgiving with potato latkes, more candles and presents.”
Sophomore Randi Velick, who practices the Jewish religion, said, “This is obviously something really cool that we have been talking about since last year at Thanksgiving dinner, so it is exciting… it is so rare.”
Rare indeed, since Thanksgivukkah last happened in 1888, and humankind won’t be seeing it again for another 79,000 years, give or take a few. Will you be celebrating a hybrid holiday this year? How are you going to celebrate?
