As we begin to prepare for Christmas, it’s important to remember that this is not the only holiday being celebrated this season. One of the holidays to think about is Hanukkah, which started at sundown, on December 7th.
Some members of our St. Dominic community celebrate Hanukkah, including our own social studies teacher and swim coach, Mrs. Carly Honerkamp.
“We grew up celebrating Chanukah. My dad is Jewish, my brother and I were both raised Jewish, and I was Bat Mitzvahed at 13,” Mrs. Honerkamp said.
While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, Hanukkah celebrates a different kind of miracle. This holiday originates from a religious persecution of the Jewish people, by the Greeks.
“Chanukah celebrates the Maccabees overcoming the Greeks, who tried to force the Jewish people to accept their culture and beliefs. They ended up driving the Greeks out, reclaiming their temple, and rededicating it to G-d. When they lit the menorah, they only had enough oil for one day, but it miraculously lasted for eight,” Honerkamp said.
As a child, Mrs. Honerkamp grew up celebrating Hanukkah more traditionally.
“Growing up, we would light the candles, sing songs, play dreidel, and exchange presents. We would try to get together with my grandparents to celebrate, if they were in town,” Honerkamp said.
Mrs. Honerkamp and her family celebrate in a way that is personal, and meaningful to them. They’ve found a way to make the holidays the perfect representation of their beliefs, which includes the Jewish and Catholic culture.
“We still light candles, sing, and play dreidel, but instead of gifts for Chanukah, we give. My son’s birthday is Christmas day and it was going to be a lot, getting gifts for three celebrations so close together, we decided to take the meaning of Chanukah of “light overcoming darkness” and use the opportunity to give. This year we donated dog food to a shelter. We also attend Chanukah on Main Street each year with our Rabbi and community, celebrating all together,” Honerkamp said.
No matter your religious beliefs, we are all loved and valued parts of the St. Dominic community. As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of the holidays. Although the presents and the food are a bonus, the holidays should be a time of love and giving. For all the faculty, staff, and students at St. Dominic, we want to wish you a happy holiday season!
