December 15, 2022
It is that time of year when we see stars atop trees and menorahs in windows, along with the many signs and symbols of the holiday season.
As a servant of the Catholic Christian community in South Carolina, I send greetings, appreciation and love to our Jewish brothers and sisters, and wish you all a beautiful festival of light this Hanukkah.
Especially at this time of year, we count the Jewish community among the many blessings in our lives, as we remember those gone before us, and those who still walk and work in our midst. You are an integral part of our state and nation, and you inspire us to treasure the traditions that have been passed down to us.
The Jewish people are our ancestors in faith. We, too, look to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and the many great prophets and faithful people whose stories are told in Scripture as we are called to be united in God’s family covenant.
As bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, I firmly join in support with my brother bishops and Pope Francis in calling for an end to all discrimination and violence that afflicts our world and ask for what all people of faith seek: a reign of peace where, as described by the prophet Isaiah (11:1-9), a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, knowledge and fear of the Lord shall overtake and gentle all of humanity.
On behalf of all Catholics in South Carolina, I thank God for each and every one of you, and I wish you a Happy Hanukkah.
Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS
Bishop of Charleston
2 comments:
I once heard a discussion of this holiday on NPR with a rabbi answering questions about its history and meaning.
Toward the end, the interviewer brought up the question of the variant spellings. Hoping to settle it once and for all, he asked the rabbi how to spell the word.
Without a pause the rabbi answered, "Chet - Nun - Kaf" (חֲנֻכָּה) 'Twern't nothin' the interviewer could say!
We in Charleston are fortunate with our new shepherd, and the last and the one before that. Pretty good track record the last 23 years! Most of the rot went with Mr Sam.
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