Today’s editorial was about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

It’s a wonderfully colorful and festive event that celebrates religious freedom. The original holiday was observed in honor of a military victory by ancient Jews over the Syrians, who wanted to force the Jews to worship their idols.

The Jews fought and won the right to worship as they please.

But why is it worth an editorial? For several reasons.

First, there is a significant Jewish population in The Oakland Press coverage area that appreciates the positive attention the editorial brings.

The second reason is for educational purposes — it lets non-Jews learn about the holiday. The more information is spread and learned, the greater the understanding of a religion, in this case Judaism.

Another reason for the editorial is that the holiday has a universal message — one quite similar to Christianity and other religions of the world. Hanukkah celebrates religious freedom and advocates that for all people of all faiths in all nations. Unfortunately, such universal freedom does not exist yet in this world and is probably centuries away.

But the wish is still there. And people of goodwill from all religions need to realize that their goals and desires are not that different from those of other cultures in the United States and throughout the world.

So, if you want to help celebrate Hanukkah, it’s easy. Just wish your Jewish friends or neighbors a “Happy Hanukkah.”