195: Holiday Special IX: Chanukah in Warsaw & Christmas in Washington, D.C.

“This year very few Hanukkah candles were lit.” / “This is a strange Christmas Eve.”

This is the story of 1941’s wartime holiday season. 

It’s difficult to conjure up a more miserable picture than the Warsaw Ghetto, but Jewish residents are doing their best to stay close to their faith in spite of the dismal circumstances. In a sermon that draws parallels between this hungry, fearful group and the Maccabees of old, Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira will bring a little light to these dark times. 

Meanwhile, Christmas in the U.S. comes just as the country is shifting into gear for war with Japan and Germany. President Roosevelt projects confidence and hope at the annual White House Christmas tree lighting, and he’s even brought along a special guest… (a much better orator than Santa). 

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and happy holidays to all. 

____

Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

• go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations

• join discussions in our Facebook community

• get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette 

• come see a live show

• get HTDS merch

• or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

HTDS is part of Audacy media network.
Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com