Shasta Interfaith

12/14/2025

You are invited to join in this sacred celebration…

12/14/2025

Honoring Bodi Day… 🙏🏽

12/14/2025

HANUKKAH 2025: The first night of Hanukkah falls on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights, usually in November or December. This year, it begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025 and ends with nightfall on Monday, December 22, 2025.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev, a month in the Hebrew calendar that usually falls within November or December. Also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, the holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. The holiday takes place for eight nights and days, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

What is the history behind Hanukkah?

Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean Revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. According to biblical text, Mattathias the Hasmonean started the revolt by refusing to worship the Greek gods. Hanukkah, in particular, celebrates Judah Maccabee's victory over the Seleucids. Rabbinic tradition states the victorious Maccabees could only find an amount of oil to keep the commemorative menorah lit for one night. However, the Menorah miraculously stayed lit for eight nights.

How does one light a Menorah?

The most common tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of a commemorative menorah, also known as a Hanukkiah. Many families of the Jewish faith will commonly have these in their homes, while Jewish organizations and communities as a whole may have larger menorahs displayed in public organizations. Menorahs are lit with a primary candle first, and that candle is used to light an additional candle for each night. So for the first night, the primary candle and an additional candle are lit, the second night two additional candles are lit, and so on throughout the eighth night. Candles are added to the menorah from right to left but lit each night from starting with the left-most candle.

As the candles are lit, Judaic blessings are often chanted before and during the process.

What are other traditions/rituals of Hanukkah?

Aside from lighting the menorah, other Hanukkah celebrations have become popular in recent years. Many families will give out presents during Hanukkah, usually with one given each night of the holiday. A game of dreidel, a spinning top inscribed with Hebrew letters, is a common way to celebrate the holiday. Additionally, followers may cook traditional Hanukkah dishes like potato latkes or Sufganiyot, a donut filled with strawberry jelly. Chocolate gelt coins are also given out during the holiday.

Shared from 2025 KGO-TV.

12/06/2025

The greatest master alive with tremendous vast vision, HH the Dalai Lama, teaches, “we are but visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years at the most. During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. If you contribute to other peoples’ happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.” Time flies by and we get older and older. Pretty soon we will die, all of us. We do not know when, but it is sure we will die. Who hasn’t died from the 19th or very early 20th century? Our habits and daily “routines” waste so much time. Please set your motivation when you awake from sleep to help others, to serve others, to respect others, to love others. During the day refresh this motivation. Not only refresh your motivation but also put it into action. Even so-called ‘little things’ that bring a smile on another’s face, or whatever can benefit others, just do it! The more you help others, the more you’ll want to help others. This brings riches that money cannot buy. Emaho!
Health

12/05/2025

Thanksgiving Interfaith Service is a diverse cultural experience that was presented by Shasta Interfaith on Sun, Nov 23, 2025, hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Redding, CA.

Special thanks to Jill Matthews for the artistry in photography!

For more info, go to Shasta Interfaith

12/02/2025

A World AIDS Day Service took place on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Redding, CA, presented by NorCal Outreach and co-sponsored by Shasta Interfaith, Shasta Community Health Center, and the 360 Band. All Saints Episcopal Church hosted the event, with Father Aidan Rontani officiating. The event was to honor and recognize those who have passed from AIDS, their families, and those affected by AIDS.

Guest speakers included Fr Aidan Rontani, All Saints Episcopal Church, Clayton Seabourn, community member, and Leroy Perkins, representing Redding Zen Buddhist Priory. A memorial tree offered guests the opportunity to honor a loved one by placing their name as an angel ornament on the Honoring Tree.

11/29/2025

11/22/2025

Co-sponsored by Shasta Interfaith, this event honors various traditions.

11/08/2025

This is a time of honoring those who have passed and those dealing with AIDS or HIV.

Co-sponsored by Shasta Interfaith

11/03/2025

Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 to honor and celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. It is a joyful celebration, not a time of mourning, where families believe the spirits of the departed return to be with them. Key traditions include creating ofrendas (altars) with photos, favorite foods, and marigolds, and gathering at cemeteries to share stories, music, and food. The holiday blends ancient Aztec rituals with Catholic influences like All Saints' Day.