December 8, 2020

Well… this feels a little like déjà vu all over again with the recent Stay-at-Home order put in place by Governor Newsom over the weekend. However, besides not being able to dine outside, or get a haircut or a manicure, there is nothing real difference between what we were expected to avoid doing before and his latest order. It still sucks and is a stark reminder of not only how interwoven our entire society is but also that we are in for a long winter as our numbers continue to rise.

 

So… it is up to each of us to try and make the most of the situation. Yes… we will not be able to celebrate Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve (or Day) the way we had hoped back in March when all of this really started. However, we can and definitely should celebrate.

 

In many ways, celebrating Hanukkah is the perfect way to lighten up the world. Beginning on Thursday night, we will be lighting our menorahs and adding more light with each day of Hanukkah.

 

Yes, it will be sad not being able to get together with family and friends to eat latkes and jelly doughnuts or exchange gifts. However, nothing is stopping us from doing all of the things we love to do during Hanukkah that does not involve other people. In fact, I would encourage all of us to spend the next couple of days figuring out how we want to celebrate this year.

 

Maybe this is the year that you try a new latke recipe. Or, maybe this is the year that you and your family decide to light all of your menorahs, instead of just one. Or, you can challenge your friends to a game of Zoom dreidel. Or, you can still do a gift exchange with family and friends by either mailing or dropping off presents on each other’s doorsteps and then open them together online. The possibilities are endless. (Click here to check out our annual Hanukkah Resource Guide that was emailed to you last week for ideas).

 

On behalf of the Jewish Federation’s Board of Governors and Staff…. Happy Hanukkah. May the lights of our collective menorahs shine bright this Hanukkah and may next year we be able to return to gathering together to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.

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