Chanu-christ- light to all !

Is a traditional  evening arranged by Mesila ,celebrating Chanukah and Christmas for children living in Israel. A very nice happy occasion. 

Light and peace ! Thanks for viewing.

The sentiment and involvement to bring joy to these kids are great.  They look engaged in a way that this will probably be memorable for them even when they become adults

The title.... eh... a bit incongruous :)

Thanks for your impression.The title is  not mine it is how Mesila calls it, and it is right as  the evening  was Chanuka with a christian clerk  saying a prayer for the christian holidays. The childrem 99% are christians but the menorah candles ,singing and doughnuts were Chanuka , so the name is accurate for the mix...;-))*

(It is the third year that this is the name of the evening, and  I photo it.)

Your comment was a good idea,as it helped me to show the mix of life for those children here and  the mix of holidays...I wonder what do you think (I will upload two more photos from that evening.)

The christian part I have some of them but the University professor which is a long time volunteer in Mesila helps a lot in general ,and played Santa Claus for the children I willnot upload as I can not ask his permission , so here is the christian clerk in the middle of  the christian prayers for the holiday.

Pnina, I think it's a beautiful event, and the two other pics show more aspects of the sharing into the Chanukah symbols and the Christian singer's soulfulness -- making a welcoming event.  Mesilla and the work you do for this organization continues to impress me, as it truly welcomes the "stranger," the "other."   

About the title, it is, of course, more likely that it would be concocted by a Jew in Israel than one in the galut.  In the galut, it feels so ironic to see a name "Chanu-christ" that is about 180 degrees in opposition to the anti-assimilationist history upon which this festival is based.  But, in Israel, where Judaism is not endangered, I suppose it shows the other aspect of Hanukah -- that one may live in Israel and their cultures and religions will be respected.  I refer only to the title from the perspective of a Jew in galut; the event for the kids, it's GREAT

Here, in the U.S., unless one is orthodox, there are strong and sometimes upsetting waves and demands...necessities... in which multiculturalism is more an idea than a truly accepted practice; one can be swallowed one up.  It is... a problem...

I was reading that even the Commandment "Do not bear false witness" relates to the stranger, as strangers are more vulnerable to false accusations -- not as well protected, so the laws of protection must be more firm.

It is nice to see Israel so often welcoming others into the country in very hospital ways as well as the constant offers to help other countries that meet disaster.  Funny how that does not hit the headlines....  

One last thing, I'm reminded by H. Senesh poem:  Yesh kochavim

Do you know it?

Ot kochava, Pnina

Very beautiful!!

Donna, I very much appreciate your answer that gave me a better understanding why you commented on the title as well..

Yes, it is different here,  we have a lot of mix and we try to be tolerant,we have the Ethiopians  jews, the Russian jews , and all the refugees/work seekers that are not jewish, and their children were  born here and it is not easy.  My Soroptimist org. and others are active to try to help, as they are human being. We have recieved this year  the first education prize in Montreal convention, for our work with them and  it is called:" הזר והגר אשר בשעריך". You will understand the connotation.

Thanks again Donna for open me a window to what it means in  the galut.Thanks for H. Senesh, yes I know the words.

Dear Pnina ,

A Happy New Year with many accomplishments !

Best regards , Dan !

This is a perfect image for the occasion, the mood is right and the faces adorable! Have a wonderful rest of your life as 2012 is the pivital year for shift of perception for the planet. All is well in our world and we are all learning faster...warm regards my friend.

Thanks both of you for your nice feedback and wishes.Lets all of us hope for a peaceful 2012!!

While the children around him seem distracted, the boy in the front row center, is holding his candle upright and seems deeply involved in the ceremony.

 I echo the sentiments for peace in the new year and the years which follow.

Thanks! just discovered your comment and wishes for peace! thats what we really need..

and I will add a toast for our friendship!;-))