Faithful Friends: Christmas, Hanukah, and Honest Questions

Faithful Friends: Inter-Religious Dialogues on Faith, Tradition, and Community by Rabbi Chaim Edelstein & Deacon Anthony Cullen

Episode notes

In this seasonal episode, Deacon Anthony Cullen and Rabbi Chaim Edelstein explore Christmas and Hanukkah through open, respectful dialogue.

As these holy days often overlap, they raise important questions about history, meaning, and belief. This conversation offers clear explanations of why Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, the origins and significance of Hanukkah, and how each tradition understands light, waiting, and hope.

Rather than debate, this episode models faithful listening—highlighting both what Jews and Christians share and where their traditions differ.

A thoughtful and accessible conversation for families, educators, parish communities, and students of the faith who are invited to listen, learn, and grow.

Keywords
CatholicJewishinterfaithholidays DeaconRabbiHanukkah