12/10/2020
Happy Hanukkah! Tonight, many Jewish families around the globe are all doing the same thing - lighting the first candle on their Hanukkah menorah. And every night of the holiday, we’ll be joining them! We've chosen eight menorahs from our exhibition Lighting the World: Menorahs Around the Globe. Each lamp tells a fascinating story about Jewish life around the planet & through the ages. And who doesn't like to see the flickering lights of a menorah?
To kick things off, we chose this simple brass menorah, hailing from early-20th century United States. It’s a modest item, but likely very similar to what many early Eldridge Street congregants would have used during their first years in America.
This year, we're pairing each glowing menorah with some metaphorical light - a hope, a wish, or perhaps a ‘guiding light’ for the year ahead. So tonight, we’re honoring the simple things that keep us grounded. And we’re remembering the importance of family and close relations - even when we can’t be together in person.