Once in this Lifetime – Celebrate Thanksgivukkah!

By Ted Resnikoff

Thanksgivikkah_logo

Thanksgivikkah_logo

We're making the mash-up!

The Blue Boat of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is doing something special to celebrate the unusual confluence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, an event that is not predicted to occur again before the year 2070.

We're preparing food for the spirit and conversation since we're locked in cloud-space and can't give you somethin' yummy for yer tummy. Wednesday, November 27 we present the special Blue Boat mash-up "Thanksgivukkah" section exploring themes, stories and ideas lifted-up by these holidays and their intersection.

For some Thanksgivukkah might be nothing more than an inevitable quirk when two calendars collide – Thanksgiving being metered by the Gregorian calendar while Hanukkah follows the lunisolar Hebrew calendar. But, hey – it hasn't happened before (more or less), and as far as we know we won't be around to see it happen exactly this way again (excepting those who will still be alive in 79,811*). Quirk or not, Thanksgivvukkah is a unique secular/religious/interfaith moment for Unitarian Univeralist appreciation.

From a UU perspective Thanskgivukkah is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect, but also examine the past, discuss current issues of social justice, and witness and comment today, because in the confluence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah themes of UU faith and Principles are present. Blue Boat will publish original and curated content on the topic through the weekend. You will find personal dispatches from people enjoying and exploring this unique event, as well as history, commentary and reflection on the special – and also sometimes troubling – meaning that is unlocked when a celebration of victorious nation building  and a celebration of religious rebellion overlap.

Thanksgiving. Hanukkah. Thanksgivukkah. Your well seasoned comments are encouraged! Special "Thanksgivukkah" section on the Blue Boat starts Wednesday, November 27.