A Unique Celebration: Hanukkah and Christmas Come Together at the Salvation Army in Miami
A Kitchen Staff Takeover
A group of Jewish volunteers took over the kitchen at the Salvation Army in Miami today, cooking and serving a special meal to clients on Christmas Day. This annual tradition is a testament to the spirit of community and interfaith understanding.
A Hanukkah-Themed Menu
This year, the volunteers decided to serve Hanukkah potato pancakes, also known as latkes, as part of the meal. Chef Gary Lampner was in charge of the kitchen and shared his creations with us. "This is braised beef brisket, and we’re serving it on top of the potato pancakes, on top of the latkes," he said.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
The volunteers from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation cook and serve the meals, allowing the Salvation Army staff to celebrate Christmas at home. Rabbi Jonathan Berkun of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center was among the volunteers. "These holidays often coincide in the December months, but it’s rare that the first candle of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day this year, and I think it’s an invitation for us to recognize how much we as fellow human beings have in common while we maintain our own distinct sense of identity and our own individual faith traditions," he said.
The Story of Hanukkah
The Hanukkah story is one of perseverance and triumph, as a small Jewish militia led by the Maccabees overthrew an oppressive Greek regime. Today, Israel faces its own challenges, including conflicts with neighboring countries. "And I think that many of us look to the time of the Maccabees, which is a little more than a 2,000-year-old story of the victory of the few against the many, and we hope that soon, maybe in this coming year, that we will see peace again in that region for Israel and for all of her neighbors," Rabbi Berkun said.
Conclusion
This unique celebration is a testament to the power of interfaith understanding and community. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we can come together to make a positive impact on the world.
FAQs
Q: Who cooked the meal at the Salvation Army in Miami?
A: A group of Jewish volunteers from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
Q: What was served at the meal?
A: Hanukkah potato pancakes (latkes) with braised beef brisket.
Q: Who was involved in the celebration?
A: Rabbi Jonathan Berkun of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and other volunteers from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
