The Jewish community recently marked the celebration of Hanukkah, a significant religious festival known as the Festival of Lights. This year, the holiday held a particular resonance, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of the ongoing global pandemic. Despite the challenges and darkness that the world has faced, the spirit of Hanukkah serves as a reminder of the light that can be found amid adversity.
During the eight-day festival, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lamp that lasted eight days despite having only enough oil for one, Jewish families light the menorah, play games, and enjoy traditional foods.
However, the global pandemic has necessitated changes to the usual festivities. Many synagogues, including the Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, have adapted their celebrations to ensure the safety of their community. This year, they organized a drive-in Hanukkah event, where attendees could participate from the safety of their vehicles. The event featured the traditional lighting of a giant menorah, accompanied by music, dancing, and the distribution of Hanukkah kits.
The Rabbi of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, Meir Moscowitz, emphasized the importance of Hanukkah's message in these challenging times. He said, "It's a holiday of light. The idea is that a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness. And that's a very relevant message today. We're in a time of darkness, with the pandemic and all the other challenges. But we have the ability to introduce light."
With the ongoing pandemic, the Jewish community is finding innovative ways to celebrate and uphold their traditions while maintaining safety. The spirit of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, serves as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of times, light can be found.