From interfaith lightings and special services to plays, concerts and communal meals, this year’s Chanukah was a joyous example of light overcoming darkness.
With everyone’s minds focussed on the terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Sydney – and our thoughts with those murdered and injured – our communities came together, often with friends from other religions, to bring home the message that the only way to drive out darkness and hate is by adding light and joy.
Below are some of the lovely festival pictures we have received from our Progressive communities. If you have any to add, please send to media@progressivejudaism.org.uk.
Mosaic Jewish Community hosted faith leaders from across Harrow for a candle lighting, made especially relevant following the atrocity at Bondi Beach. Speakers included Rabbi Kathleen Middleton, Rabbi Anthony Lazarus, Harrow Interfaith Chair Bachu Gopal (Sikh), David Cryer (Humanist), Heena Modi (Jains) and Yazid T Bhada (Zoroastrian).
York Liberal Jewish Community were joined by the Lord Mayor of York and a number of local councillors for a public lighting on the steps of the Mansion House, before holding a special interfaith event at Clifford’s Tower with guests including York’s three MPs.
Newcastle Reform Synagogue took part in three events – a first night community Chanukah lighting in solidarity with the Jewish community of Sydney, a cheder session making latkes and delicious Magen David scones, and Chair Linda Scott lighting candles at a civic ceremony on the last night of Chanukah hosted by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue held events including a family K-pop themed Chanukah party with more than 100 people in attendance, a Mini Maccabee Mash-up with toddler rave music and rainbow face paints, and a communal candle lighting where everyone sung together.
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation enjoyed a Shabbat full of Chanukah activities with Rabbi Mark Solomon leading services on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and a bring and share Chanukah party on Saturday afternoon.
Menorah Synagogue held a Chanukah fair for members and friends. They have also started an outreach campaign, collecting warm clothing for the Wellspring homeless charity in Stockport and primary school uniforms for refugees in Manchester.
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue welcomed the Mayor of Stevenage, Nazmin Chowdhury, and her consort Kier Williams, to their Erev Shabbat and Chanukah service.
Liverpool Reform Synagogue joyfully celebrated its annual Chanukah party, welcoming over 100 members of the community for a vibrant and festive evening. Children were thrilled by a magician, alongside lively dreidel games and creative Chanukah crafts. All ages enjoyed a delicious hot vegetarian supper and live music from the Chanukah Orchestra, formed by a group of children and young people and supported by Sofie Steff and Beverley Stevenson.
Sinai Synagogue Leeds held an all-ages Chanukah celebration with a great turnout and lots of light and lovely food.
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community held a Chanukah party and candle lighting – including a play written and directed by Rabbi Anna Gerrard, with a cast of 17 members.
Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue celebrated Chanukah with a service attended by Archdeacon Martin Lloyd Williams and, two days later, a lighting of the candles, followed by fish and chips and, as is tradition, a bowling night. Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo said: “As every year, the teenagers won by a landslide. Go Netzer!”
North Herts Progressive Jewish Community held a Chanukah party with crafts, magic, food and song. Organiser Irene Blaston said: “It was great to see people across the age spectrum enjoying the festival together.”
Kingston Liberal Synagogue hosted an event where guests of all ages enjoyed snacks, games, dreidel making and a latke competition, followed by candle lighting in the Sanctuary, and singing and dancing with the Oneg Band. Visitors included Kingston Mayor Councillor Noel Hadjmichael, Mayoress Carol Berliner, and Monica Harding MP.
Kol Chai: Hatch End Reform Jewish Community celebrated with a children’s party followed by the whole community coming together to light candles and welcome in Shabbat – the evening ended with a fish and latke dinner.
Reading Liberal Jewish Community’s Chanukah event saw members of all ages gather for a meaningful menorah lighting.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community held a double Chanukah celebration. Members got together for a special combined Erev Shabbat and Chanukah service, including a fascinating illustrated talk on Bloom’s restaurants from Pam Fox, the author of the new book Noshtalgia. On Shabbat morning, it was the turn of the children, with a big party, quiz and lots of artistic impressions of Chanukah.
Crouch End Chavurah held a very popular family Chanukah party and lighting, with attendees of all ages.
Glasgow Reform Synagogue celebrated Chanukah with Kabbalat Shabbat and their monthly potluck chavurah supper. Led by Rabbi Pete Tobias, around 50 people took part.
East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue was full, with more chanukiyot being lit than ever. Rabbi Richard Jacobi said: “I think this speaks to everyone’s desire to be together and to reaffirm the importance of these acts of hope.”
Cheder children at Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue made Chanukah parcels for the residents at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House – in order to bring light and happiness into people’s lives.
Alyth had lightings and events every night of Chanukah, including members in different areas inviting others into their houses for Alyth Chanukah @ Home – providing a great opportunity for people to get together with friends from the congregation to share the light of Chanukah.
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) brought together 250 people for a Multi-Faith Chanukah Celebration where guests, including Australian High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes PSM, stood together in a show of solidarity and unity after the terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Sydney. Read about it here.