RNS Morning Report: Giant menorahs, helicopters, candy cannons announce the arrival of Hanukkah

2022 has been a whirlwind of huge news stories, and RNS has been there every step of the way. We have big plans for the next year, but we need your support. Will you join our community and help us grow in 2023? Top Stories Giant menorahs, helicopters, candy cannons announce the arrival of Hanukkah (RNS) — In the face of growing antisemitism, many Jews are taking to the streets and making the eight-day Festival of Lights very public and very flashy.   A scholar of Jewish studies airs a few inconvenient lessons of Hanukkah (RNS) — Prominent Middle East archaeologist Eric Meyers offers a view of Jewish uprisings, including those that followed the Maccabees, and their actual consequences.   William Barber launches new center at Yale, will retire from church (RNS) — The Rev. William Barber said the center's goal is to 'prepare a new generation' to create 'a just society both in the academy and in the streets.'   Pope Francis reflects on his pontificate and legacy in latest interviews (RNS) — Pope Francis said he has already signed his renunciation if he were unable to act as pope due to health issues or an accident.   Qatar offers World Cup visitors an introduction to Islam (RNS) — Hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Qatar during the World Cup. For many it's their first visit to a Muslim country.   Anti-abortion priest Pavone defrocked for blasphemous posts (RNS) — In a tweet Sunday, Pavone sounded defiant, comparing his fate to that of the unborn.   India’s visa temples attract devotees aspiring to go abroad CHENNAI, India (AP) — This 'visa temple' has surged in popularity among U.S. visa seekers over the past decade; they can be found in almost any Indian city with a U.S. consulate.   At 50, ‘Immaculate Reception’ still lifts a region’s spirits PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Immaculate Reception crystallized the rise of the Steelers — even as their namesake industry was on the decline, as was the Pittsburgh of compact immigrant neighborhoods with multiple ethnic Catholic parishes.   Faith leaders prep for border changes amid tension, hope REYNOSA, Mexico (AP) — Faith leaders working on the border are wary of what's to come. They expect tensions will keep rising if new restrictions are imposed. RNS Opinion What do the lonely do at Christmas? (RNS) — Now, more than ever, people are becoming comfortable sharing their grief and longing during the holidays.   Eight things that will surprise you about Hanukkah (RNS) — Great truths about Hanukkah. One for each night. (As for the 'right' way to spell it, you're on your own.) ICYMI Ruling requires Yeshiva University to recognize LGBTQ club (RNS) — The school "will continue on appeal to defend against the claim that we are not a religious institution," said a spokesperson.   Synod’s main themes come into focus as it enters its continental stage (RNS) — From the participation of lay faithful to the role of bishops’ conferences, the synod on synodality reconsiders ecclesial structures for the new millennium. In Other News Frank Houston was a ‘serial paedophile’ and extent of his crimes may never be known, court hears King Charles dances with Anne Frank’s stepsister to celebrate Hanukah   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend