Thanksgivukah

Being a person lacking in self control, I too shall join the bandwagon and add my two cents on the upcoming celebration of Thanksgivukah. For those of you holed up in some cave in Afghanistan and still unaware of this week’s celebration, Thanksgivukah occurs when both the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the Jewish holiday of Chanukah collide. Both holidays on their own are biggies, so when the two fall out on the exact same date, it’s a really big deal, not just for Hallmark. So let’s start with the basics. In 1620, a group of just over 100 Europeans (Pilgrims) seeking religious freedom settled in New England, an area inhabited by the Abenaki, Penobscot, Pequot, Mohegan, Pocumtuck and Wampanoag tribes. The First Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest. About fifty Pilgrims and almost 100 “Natives” attended a three day feast. The typical Thanksgiving Day feast today consists of baked or roasted Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, squash and pumpkin pie. Today, Thanksgiving is typically a four-day or five-day weekend vacation for schools, most government workers and businesses (paid holiday). Blackout Wednesday (Thanksgiving eve) is one of the busiest nights of the year for bars and clubs. Thanksgiving Day is typically spent attending or watching on television a parade, football game, basketball game or auto race. The day after Thanksgiving is often the largest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. And what about Chanukah? Well, Chanukah has been celebrated by the Jewish community for well over 2,000 years. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after the successful revolt by the Maccabes against the Syrian Greeks (Seleucid Empire). It is an 8 day holiday. On each night of the holiday the 8 branched Chanukiyah (Candelabra) is lit, one light on the first night, with an additional light being added each subsequent night. Many families exchange gifts each night or simply hand out cash. Fried foods are eaten, such as “Latkes” (Potato pancakes) and/or all kinds of doughnuts. In Israel, schools are closed for the duration of the holiday. So what is it about Thanksgivukah that has triggered such a strong reaction? Obviously it’s more than the simple coincidence that these two holidays happen to fall out together this year. The reaction is quite different when Christmas and Chanukah coincide. I believe that there is a common thread here running through both of these days which may to some extent describe the relationship between the United States and the Jewish community. Let’s start with the Pilgrims. Their story of seeking religious freedom has become a central theme of the history and culture of the United States. But this was not the first or last time a people demanded such freedom. Similar is the Biblical narrative of the Israelites, enslaved in Egypt, who escape into the unknown of the desert to serve their One God. And again, the Hasmoneans, who against all odds are victorious against the Seleucids, fighting for that very same right. The Jews of Spain, expelled in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, some who then settle in the Holy Land seeking religious freedom. And 1948, the establishment of the Jewish State of Israel. The story of the Pilgrims is a strong one. Even before their arrival to New England, it was illegal not to attend official Church of England services with penalties of large fines, imprisonment and sometimes even execution. They faced many uncertainties before deciding to cross the Atlantic. They had heard of failed colonies, violence from the natives, problems with both food and water supplies, unknown diseases, international politics as well as the hazards of travel by sea. Half of them died after the first winter. No wonder that the success of the Jewish State resounds so loudly with so many in the United States. Our narratives are quite similar. Oh for sure the relationship between the two countries has its ups and downs. What relationship doesn’t? In the end, each country is looking out for its own best interest. And that’s exactly the way it should be. And fortunately those interests coincide more often than not. And so I will order my whole Turkey from Rami Levy in Mishor Adumim and enjoy it with my family this Chanukah. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 1999, Israelis consumed more turkey per capita (28.9 pounds) than Americans who only consumed 17.6 pounds. Of course we Israelis typically consume turkey in the form of shawarma. Our ovens are smaller! So here’s wishing a happy Thanksgivukah to all. Rabbi Mordechai Weiss Mitzpeh Yericho www.rabbiguide.com