Key Takeaways
- Jewish celebrities such as Alan Bersten, Emma Slater, and Nev Schulman are sharing their Hanukkah celebrations on social media
- The holiday, which began on December 14, is being observed with traditional activities such as lighting the menorah and exchanging gifts
- Some celebrities, like Alan Bersten, are using their platforms to share their Jewish heritage and promote representation and inclusivity
- Hanukkah celebrations often feature traditional foods, music, and dances, such as the Horah
- The holiday is an opportunity for Jewish people to come together with family and friends and celebrate their faith and culture
Introduction to Hanukkah Celebrations
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is a time for celebration and joy. This year, Jewish celebrities are shining bright, sharing their holiday traditions and experiences with their fans. The festival, which began on the evening of December 14, lasts for eight nights and is a time for family, friends, and community to come together. Alan Bersten, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, is one of the many celebrities who are sharing their Hanukkah celebrations on social media. He posted a photo of himself, his partner Emma Slater, and their dog Jeff lighting the menorah on the first night of the holiday.
Celebrity Hanukkah Traditions
Alan Bersten is not only celebrating Hanukkah with his loved ones, but he is also using his platform to share his Jewish heritage with his fans. Earlier this month, he choreographed a special Hanukkah dance for the Dancing With the Stars holiday special. The routine, which was set to the song "Miracle" by Matisyahu, featured dance moves that symbolized Hanukkah staples such as the menorah and dreidels. The dance also included moves from the traditional Jewish Horah celebratory dance. Bersten’s goal was to promote representation and inclusivity, and to make Jewish kids feel seen and proud. In a behind-the-scenes clip, he shared his thoughts on the importance of celebrating Hanukkah and the need for more representation of the holiday in the media.
The Importance of Representation
Bersten’s efforts to promote Hanukkah representation are significant, as the holiday is often overshadowed by Christmas. By sharing his own traditions and experiences, he is helping to raise awareness and promote understanding of the Jewish faith and culture. His message is one of inclusivity and diversity, and it is resonating with his fans. The response to his Hanukkah dance has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people praising him for his creativity and dedication to his heritage. Bersten’s actions are a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen and represented, and that holidays like Hanukkah are an important part of our cultural landscape.
Hanukkah Traditions and Activities
Hanukkah is a time for traditional activities such as lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and eating special foods like latkes and sufganiyot. The holiday is also a time for music and dance, with many people singing traditional songs and performing the Horah. The Horah is a circular dance that is often performed at Jewish celebrations, and it is a symbol of community and joy. During Hanukkah, the Horah is often performed to traditional music, and it is a way for people to come together and celebrate the holiday. Other Hanukkah traditions include playing with dreidels, which are spinning tops with Hebrew letters on each side, and eating chocolate coins, which are known as gelt.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Hanukkah is a special time for Jewish people around the world, and it is a holiday that is filled with tradition, music, and dance. This year, Jewish celebrities like Alan Bersten are sharing their Hanukkah celebrations with their fans, and promoting representation and inclusivity. By sharing their own traditions and experiences, they are helping to raise awareness and promote understanding of the Jewish faith and culture. As the holiday comes to a close, it is a reminder of the importance of community, family, and faith, and the need to come together and celebrate our differences. Whether you are Jewish or not, Hanukkah is a time for joy, love, and celebration, and it is a holiday that deserves to be recognized and appreciated.
