1/ A quick thread on Chanukah, a the Jewish festival of lights which begins this evening - and why I have been organising candle lighting ceremonies in the Temple for the past few years 
2/ Chanukah is a festival which lasts 8 days and is basically the Jewish Christmas. Or Christmas is the Christian Chanukah? Or Diwali? Anyway, these things are all historically intermingled but most cultures have festival when the nights draw in to make people feel safe and happy
3/ You can read about the history of Chanukah here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah - or watch this informational video which is probably just about the best thing you can watch on the subject
4/ I lived for a bit in New York where there are many more Jewish people and Jewish culture is more a part of the mainstream. So when it came to December it would be about the 'holiday season' and there would be equal billing given to various holidays
5/ In the UK Christmas dominates - which is fine! But as someone who is proud of my own heritage, I have been organising a little Chanukah lighting ceremony in Temple where Jewish judges light a 'chanukiah', an ornamental lamp and - as is traditional - eat delicious doughnuts
6/ I have always made sure that we do the whole thing outside, whatever the weather, and @TheInnerTemple have been brilliant each year in providing an awning and lights. I can't praise them enough really.
7/ Why outside? Well, one of the nice traditions of Chanukah is that you are meant to put the chunukiah in a place where people can see it from the street. I think that's lovely- it fits with my view that our particular cultures should be proud, outward facing and inclusive
8/ I think that after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting the temptation is to hide away, and I understand that, but I also think it is important to be out and proud, and also invite others to join in, building a shared understanding of each other's cultures
9/ All are welcome to come - you really don't have to be Jewish, it's a short and sweet ceremony with doughnuts. Email me if you want to come - and happy chanukah!
