They are the universal symbols of the holiday season.
Menorahs and dreidels, wreaths and trees, unity cups and bowls of fruit all integral parts of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
While each has its own customs and meanings and ways to celebrate, all three share one thing in common: light.
Hanukkah has its eight candles in the menorah. Christmas includes an Advent wreath with four candles. Kwanzaa is symbolized with seven candles.
Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Symbols of Hanukkah include dreidels, gold coins and the menorah.
Hanukkah
“Each day adds a little bit more of light,” said Rabbi Elchonon Friedman of Bnai Emunoh Chabad in Greenfield when talking about the menorah. “We need the light in this time of the year when it gets dark so early.”
Courtesy of Central Catholic High School
Jafar Brooks’ 2020 photo at Central Catholic High School.
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Those who knew Jafar Brooks were lost for words in the days following the teenager’s untimely death.
“There are no words, you can’t describe this feeling. When you love someone, ain’t no words to make them feel better,” said Rashad Byrdsong, grandfather of the Churchill teen who was fatally shot earlier this week.
Byrdsong and his wife, Amargie Davis, have worked together for 30 years trying to prevent the fate met by their grandson. Brooks, 15, was found dead by police in Penn Hills early Tuesday morning after a shooting along the 1900 block of Garden Drive.