More than 150 people gathered to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah at a menorah lighting outside National Grand Bank Thursday evening. There was singing and storytelling and even the traditional Hanukkah treat sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
“Jewish tradition teaches us to kindle the lights of our chanukiah (menorah) by a door or window, so that we can share the miracle, so that others can see it.” said Rabbi Jenn Mangold of Temple Emanu-El at the event. “Just as we are doing tonight, sharing our light in the public sphere even during these dark times, we are called to share our light. We don’t keep it for ourselves, we share it with our friends, our families, our community and the world.”
Mangold added, “So, during these dark times, we think about how we may share our light, through acts of loving kindness and mitzvot. Think about one way you can share your light with others. Reaching out to someone in need. Giving tzedakah (charity). Visiting someone who is sick. Checking up on someone who is in mourning. Extending compassion and patience to those who are struggling. Expressing gratitude and praise for someone you love. There are so many ways to shine our light.”
In his remarks, Rabbi Michael Schwartz of Temple Sinai referenced the recent mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. “Just like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, only light can drive out the dark, only love can drive out the hate. And this Hanukkah, we all might be fearful, but you know, we’re all a little afraid of the dark. But what does the light do? It drives away the darkness. Fear is only overcome by one thing, hope. On that note, let’s all truly now say Happy Hanukkah.”
The program was sponsored by Temple Emanu-El, Temple Sinai, Epstein-Hillel Academy, JCC of the North Shore and National Grand Bank, all in Marblehead, and Congregation Shirat Hayam of Swampscott.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
