In 1978, Springfield’s Jewish community stepped up to help their Christian neighbors by volunteering at Cox Hospital during the Christmas holiday.
Springfield: So, back in 1978, something pretty cool happened. Hanukkah fell on Christmas Eve, and the local Jewish community decided to lend a hand. They volunteered at Cox Hospital to cover for their Christian friends who wanted to celebrate the holiday.
One of the volunteers, Howard Lotven, was part of the Lotven family who celebrated Hanukkah that year. In a touching moment, he lit a menorah candle with his uncle Hyman and his nephew Joshua. It was a beautiful blend of traditions.
The hospital had started this volunteer program a few years earlier after seeing something similar in Kansas City. One volunteer mentioned that working on Christmas Eve was no big deal since Hanukkah lasted a whole week. So, they still had plenty of time to celebrate.
It’s heartwarming to see how communities can come together, especially during the holidays. This story is part of a larger collection of historical photos from the News-Leader’s archives, showcasing moments like these that connect us all.
