France: Two Faiths, One Bright Holiday Spirit

Festive moments across France: This year’s holiday season brings families together to celebrate light, joy, and tradition, whether for Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply the spirit of interfaith dialogue. Photo Credit : RDNE Stock Project via Pexels.

As France hums with activities for both Christmas and Hanukkah, this holiday season prompts thoughts on the blending of customs in a diverse nation. A conversation of illumination and identities starts to emerge.

When winter wraps France in its icy embrace, cities dazzle with myriad lights, shop windows transform into enchanting displays, and Christmas carols echo day and night. For many observant Jewish families in this corner of the world, this year’s end is not solely about Christmas. It is also the time to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights—a holiday rich in memory and spirituality. Amid the Christmas trees and menorah lights, how do traditions coexist in a country deeply rooted in Christian heritage?

Hanukkah commemorates a historical miracle: sacred oil meant to last for just one day burned for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem. Each evening, a new candle is lit on the menorah, accompanied by prayers and songs. In a France where Christmas dominates the holiday period, Jewish symbols frequently struggle to gain visibility in public spaces.

“When we light our menorah by the window, it’s as much about honoring our traditions as it is about asserting our presence in this dazzling Christmas landscape—since this year feels particularly unique, as the two holidays coincide—a rare convergence allowed by the interplay of the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. It’s a beautiful opportunity to let our traditions shine alongside the lights of Christmas.since the Christian and Hebrew calendars align this year,” says Rachel W., a mother of three.

In France, where secularism promotes equality for all faiths, the constant presence of Christmas can create susceptibilities for practicing Jewish families. While Christmas is frequently perceived as a cultural and commercial event, its roots remain closely tied to Christian traditions.

For Sarah B., “Christmas can be found everywhere: at school, in ads, in discussions. As Jewish parents, we must put in extra effort to convey the depth of our traditions, ensuring our children feel included while also helping them understand the spiritual meaning of Hanukkah.

French schools do their best to uphold religious neutrality, but they sometimes organize Christmas-themed activities, putting Jewish families in a position to navigate their involvement while honoring their beliefs. Nevertheless, in urban areas with a large Jewish population, certain establishments also recognize Hanukkah as a suitable festivity.

In large cities such as Paris, Lyon or Nice, massive menorahs are set up in public squares, frequently due to efforts by the Chabad movement. These vibrant symbols stand out vividly against the usual setting of Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Benjamin Pinto from Paris asserts that “public menorahs are designed not to rival Christmas, but to highlight that this time of year is about sharing and illuminating everyone.”

These initiatives also encourage communication among communities. Neighbors who are not Jewish occasionally participate in menorah lightings, eager to understand the tradition.“Our kids ask their friends to sample latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts, frequently resulting in significant exchanges,” Benjamin reveals.

For many families, the consequences extend beyond the holiday period. It centers on maintaining a strong Jewish identity while fully assimilating into a French culture influenced by various traditions. Some parents address their children’s curiosity about Christmas by explaining its origins without making it a celebration. Others strike a balance, incorporating certain customs, like gift-giving, while tying them to Hanukkah.

“We adorn our home with garlands and stars, ensuring it reflects Hanukkah,” Leah explains, then adds that “kids shouldn’t have to choose between honoring their Jewish identity and enjoying the happiness of this time.”

During the year-end celebrations, the vibrant lights of menorahs keep shining in Jewish homes, serving as an important reminder that despite a Christmas-focused environment, Hanukkah rightly asserts its presence, shining with its distinct glow.