http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-875908.mp3
Albany, NY – The Christian Christmas season doesn't end on December 25th. Ethiopia's 33 million Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Timkat, or Epiphany, a commemoration of the baptism of Christ on January 20th. 51%'s Jessica Partnow reports that it's a combination of devotion, party and baptism by fire hose.
2:36 Timkat Partnow
And on to Colorado, where American Muslims discuss tolerance and understanding during the Christmas holidays.
3:04 Muslims
This year, there's new interest in giving gifts that do more - gifts that do good. Many retailers are including a donation to a charity with the sale of certain items. World of Good, A Greater Gift, Ten Thousand Villages, OXFAM and that old favorite, UNICEF, all offer gifts that also benefit someone else. Animal sanctuaries offer sponsorships, so you can create a lasting bond between your favorite aunt and a cow - or even sponsor a chimp. Another side of this trend is a new take on the Tupperware party...one that helps provide sustainable income for African women and their families. 51%'s Allison Dunne attended one of these grassroots parties, among a cause-driven and eco-conscious crowd.
8:00 Beaders Dunne
One good central site to find a host of good ideas for giving in the holiday season and beyond is at havefundogood.blogspot.com.
And now let's get back to the celebrations - and the food.
The Jewish observation of Hanukkah is one that also lasts far beyond one day - Hanukkah has become the pinnacle of assimilation for American Jews. Dreidels and Menorahs hang in holiday displays alongside Christmas trees and wreaths. But the real history of Hanukkah is sometimes forgotten. The ancient war that Hanukkah celebrates was very much a civil war between religious and secular Jews. A former Orthodox Jew explains (while cooking latkes) how this 2,000 year old struggle over assimilation has affected her life.
Hanukkah
q: so good, though
And finally, on to another kitchen where independent producer Diane Bock explains why she'd even attempt to build a giant gingerbread fortress...and why she'll probably never do it again.
4:00 gingerbread Bock
Q: music fades
(16:22)
That's it for this week. We'll leave you with a quote from the Dalai Lama: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." From all of us at 51% - happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful new year.