This is the first year that I have attended our township’s lighting of the Menorah to celebrate Chanukah. My heart was touched by the humanity of the celebration. Every ethnicity was represented, Jewish and not. We have a large population of Latin Americans so many of the Jewish people were from that continent. The Rabbi spoke beautifully with warmth and enthusiasm. As he started to light the Menorah, he asked us to think of someone close to us who needed healing. So many of us do this year. Below, the Rabbi is singing the blessings between lighting each candle, culminating in the 8th one to represent the 8 days of Chanukah.
As you can hear, it was a vibrant crowd with children running around with dreidels and shields. Some attendees were Orthodox Jews but others were Reform. There was even a lapsed Catholic with tears in her eyes remembering the community feel of her old church. The band was Hasidic and amazingly good. I will post videos in future posts but in this last video below they are singing about Chanukah.
HAPPY CHANUKAH!!
Postcards from Kerry 
It is nice to see people coming together as one and feeling love.
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It had a lovely feel, Joseph. Thank you! 🕎
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That’s desperately needed – in these times more than ever!
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I agree
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What a heartwarming event. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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I am delighted you enjoyed it, Peggy.
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Hi Kerry,
This is so awesome! I love seeing people from different cultures celebrating each other’s traditions.
Thank you for sharing this great experience!
Blessings! ❤❤
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This sounds abs looks like a beautiful and meaningful ceremony. Especially the prayer,and acknowledgments of all people. Truly lovely 💗
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I very much love the idea of how the menorah is meant to spread light to others and that’s why it is traditionally placed in the window, on a table or outside the door.
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When I was straight out of college, I took a job as a project worker in a Jewish home for people with disabilities. It was kosher and I just loved Shabbat supper on Friday. We have a set of Scandinavian lighted candles that look similar. When I was young, Nana placed a single votive candle in the window at Christmas. You must write a blog about Latvian traditions! Love to you and family, Aiva. K x
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That is super cool, just an observance/celebration by one group of people who welcome in ‘outsiders’ who in turn respond with goodwill and community spirit. All the ingredients for a happy town. Now if that could be replicated on the larger (state/country/world) stage wouldn’t it be something?
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Our town is far from perfect but many of us living here. Houston is the most ethnically diverse city in the USA with the most different languages spoken. All of us are outsiders in this place of immigrants!
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This looks like a wonderful celebration, and very thoughtful of the message to think of someone who needs healing. I agree, so many need healing given it’s been a bit of a crazy time in the world. Also looks like the band had a good time and people from different backgrounds enjoyed it too. So heartwarming and hope there are more events like these over there.
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It was great fun, Mabel, and a new experience for me. Thank you!
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Thank you for sharing. It brought back warm memories of graowing up on a road with many religions and all the kids celebrating each and everyone.
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I grew up with only two religions in my immediate vicinity but have enjoyed getting to experience other faiths over the years. Have a lovely weekend, Noilin. K x
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You too Kerry.
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Such a lovely celebration Kerry! It is nice to see when people get together to have their traditional celebrations. I love the idea to think of someone in need when the Rabbi is lighting the candles. You can feel the love and the good thoughts spreading over!
take care, Christie
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I am so glad you enjoyed this post, Christie! K x
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