Jewish, Christian traditions combine at Christmas lunch

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This article was published 25/12/2018 (2838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CHRISTIANS and Jews joined forces at Furby Street’s Crossways in Common building to spread Christmas cheer to Winnipeggers in need.

The volunteers, who came from Congregation Shaarey Zedek and West Broadway Community Ministry, met to partake in an annual Christmas luncheon that brings the city’s Christian and Jewish communities together while serving a Christmas meal. Guests also left with Christmas gifts and warm clothing such as toques, mitts and scarves.

“In Judaism, you can’t celebrate your holidays until you’re sure everyone else can celebrate as well,” Rabbi Anibal Mass said.

“It’s the most wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.”

The synagogue brought more than 40 volunteers to the event.

The doors opened at 1 p.m., and as people filed in, a family of volunteer musicians began serenading them with Christmas carols.

Mass stepped up to the microphone after a prayer from Indigenous elder Corinna Mintuck during the short program that preceded the meal.

Mass told of the origin of Hanukkah — the festival of lights. According to tradition, a 2,000-year-old miracle saw one day’s worth of oil burn on the menorah for eight days during the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem.

“Be bold to believe in miracles,” Mass said before turning to the Hanukiah, or Hanukkah menorah, and lighting all eight candles.

Moments later, minister Lynda Trono of the WBCM spoke of Christmas and Jesus Christ as she lit candles of her own — this time, Advent candles.

The partnership between communities is “a good way to expand horizons,” said Matthew Morry, a 19-year-old synagogue volunteer who first took part six years ago.

The event and the partnership have been around since 2000, with food provided by local businesses including Salisbury House, the Viscount Gort Hotel and Gunn’s Bakery.

Neither faith community’s efforts went unnoticed.

“It was a very filling meal,” said Mark Crassweller, who attended for the first time this year.

“It just makes you feel special,” said a woman who asked not to be named as she held her bag of gifts. Inside were deodorant, toothpaste, soap and hairbrushes.

“I take this as a blessing from God above,” said the woman, who also said she is alone this Christmas.

And she’s not the only one.

“A lot of people say, ‘I just need someone to talk to,’” volunteer Pietra Shirley, 57, said. Many guests chatted away as they ate.

The event served around 100 people and also featured games with dreidels, or Hanukkah spinning tops.

ryan.job@freepress.mb.ca