Hanukkah begins tonight at sunset, Kwanzaa starts on Monday

Hanukkah begins tonight at sunset.

It commemorates the Jews' revolt against oppression, throwing off the rule of a Syrian tyrant in 165 BCE. The holiday marks the commitment, dedication and bravery of those who knew some things are more precious than life itself. There's value in that old story for all faiths.

Kwanzaa starts on Monday. This is a young festival, not yet 40 years old, and a secular one. But it is gaining in importance among African-Americans as an affirmation of traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. The seven-day celebration embodies principles that we all can embrace.

Hindus recently celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. Dec. 8 was Bodhi Day, when Buddhists recall how Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment as the Buddha. And next month, Muslims will mark Eid ul-Adha, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God.