On the fifth night of Hanukkah, friends of the Center City Kehillah gathered on Zoom to light our Menorahs together.
While we couldn’t be together at Rittenhouse Square Park, gathered around the big Menorah like we did last year, we were together on Zoom. As Miriam began the event, she pointed out, “at least we are warm in our homes. We’re together online, safe from rain and sleet, and we can still gather together, although distant and celebrate.” The Rabbi echoed the same sentiment and said, “it is the light of the candles that bring us together, and like 2000 years ago, the light that brings us together. It is a miracle. This is a time for miracles.”
As the Cantor led the blessings, we sang along and lit our candles, one by one. When our Menorahs, were lit, we sang Ma’or Tzur or Rock of Ages. Although we can’t be together and although we can’t gather in Philadelphia to celebrate, we were able to meet up on Zoom and have a beautiful ceremony.
I would also like to post a segment that CBS Sunday Morning ran on Sunday about Hanukkah.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
Thank you for reporting about the Zoom event that allowed you and your friends to witness the lighting of the Menorah from the safety and comfort of your homes.
After watching those two videos you posted, I am all verklempt (again). In the first production we hear the pure and clear vocals of individuals and pairs as they sing a traditional holiday song. Soon, through the magic of editing, they are joined together singing in groups, and finally, at the end of the song, the voices of all participants are blended as one. It is a wonderful performance to behold. The CBS segment was inspiring. Every day miracles large and small are taking place around us. We need only to open our eyes to them. The light of a single candle shines forth in all directions, diminishing the power of darkness. In these hard times, when so many have lost so much, we must be extra thankful for what we still have and remember that, through solidarity and positive action, good can and will triumph over evil, that light can indeed drive away the darkness of the world.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
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