As we approach the end of 2024, it is impossible to ignore the tumultuous year that has unfolded, marked by political polarization, social unrest and ongoing global conflicts. These challenges have often deepened the divides between us, making it difficult to find common ground. Yet the simultaneous celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — all within the same week — offers a rare opportunity to reflect that we can coexist peacefully in a harmonious society. This calendar convergence invites us to respect each other’s traditions and appreciate one another’s collective humanity. By embracing the diversity these holidays represent, we can enter 2025 with a renewed commitment to cultivating a society rooted in mutual respect.
Reflecting on 2024, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the forces of division that have permeated our national and global landscape. In the United States, the election season was marked by hyper-partisanship, with political discourse often resembling a battle rather than a democratic exchange of ideas. News outlets, social media platforms and public debates only amplified these tensions, painting those with opposing views as enemies rather than fellow citizens. The result was a polarized public square where collaboration seemed impossible, and many people retreated into ideological echo chambers, alienating themselves from those who held different opinions.
Internationally, the year was no less fractious. The conflict in Israel, which drew widespread attention, exposed the deep fault lines in global understanding of the Middle East and its complexities. As the war continued, the discourse surrounding Israel’s actions became increasingly polarized, with some sides casting blame without acknowledging the broader context of self-defense in a volatile region. Unfortunately, this divisive rhetoric was accompanied by a troubling rise in antisemitism, both globally and within the United States. Jewish communities, which had long regarded America as a safe haven, now found themselves facing growing hostility and fear. As a rabbi, I’ve witnessed firsthand the emotional toll this has taken on individuals who once felt secure here in the United States of America and whose ancestors risked it all to immigrate here and build a life in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Against the backdrop of these global and domestic divisions, the overlap of holidays offers a moment of reflection on how we can reconnect with this bravery and make tangible efforts to stand up against the tides of antisemitism and coexist and appreciate one another despite our differences. In neighborhoods across the country, we see the lights of menorahs, Christmas trees and Kwanzaa candles shining in neighboring homes. These symbols of faith, culture and family are a vivid reminder that it is possible to have diverse traditions exist together in a shared society. This value highlights the common human aspirations for peace, respect and understanding.
As we look toward 2025, the overlapping of these holidays provides an opportunity to transcend the divisiveness of the past year and move forward. This season of celebration challenges us to use the love of our neighbors as a foundation for building a more harmonious society.
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In a world often defined by conflict, these holidays being celebrated in the same week offer a hopeful vision for the future. As we walk through neighborhoods adorned with symbols of faith and culture, we are reminded that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but deeply enriching and the reason those before us looked to these shores with hope for a better future for society. While our traditions may differ, our collective desire for peace, justice and mutual respect binds us together.
As 2025 begins, let us allow the timing of these holidays to guide us in our efforts to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. By modeling respect despite our differences, we can show all the haters out there that hate has no home here toward any religion or group and create a future where societal unity is not just a hope but a living reality, where Jews, and all other groups, can feel safe in our borders. Let 2025 be a year when we move beyond the divisions of the past, entering a new chapter of greater understanding and collaboration. Through collective effort, we can ensure that the promise of peace, love and unity continues to light our path forward.
Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach, New York. For more information, visit bachlongbeach.com.
