The Glow of Hope This Chanukah Season

This past December, the Festival of Lights illuminated parks, plazas, synagogues and community centers, bringing families across the region together to light the menorah, join in prayer ceremonies, and enjoy festive holiday foods.

This year’s events took on even deeper meaning in the wake of a devastating antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach during the first night of Chanukah, which claimed the lives of 15 innocent people who were gathering in a moment of celebration and of joy. 

When antisemitism feels inescapable and pervasive, we remember that connection matters more than ever. During the eight nights of Chanukah, our Jewish community came together, over 1,000 people strong, to share in laughter and song, to honor those we’ve lost, and to rejoice in the glow of hope, showing the world that we are not afraid. 

View moments of inspiration, captured during community Chanukah events – hosted or in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia – throughout the season.

The Doylestown community celebrated the last night of Chanukah with an interactive celebration, including songs, a human menorah, hot chocolate, donuts and treat bags for children. The event was co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Bucks County Kehillah.

At the Light Up Wayne Chanukah Festival, neighbors gathered for live music, storytelling, pop-up Chanukah shops, havdalah and a festive menorah lighting, which was co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Delaware Kehillah. The Jewish Federation was also proud to present the township with a large menorah during the evening’s festivities.

The Jewish Federation's Bucks County Kehillah and Bucks County synagogues hosted Chanukah at Shady Brook Farm, where families enjoyed music, crafts, chocolate gelt and a candle lighting.

Over 300 people gathered in Rittenhouse Square to commemorate the fourth night of Chanukah. The evening included a candle lighting, prayer ceremony and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and was sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Center City Kehillah.

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The Kehillot are part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhood initiative to create vibrant Jewish communities. The group represents various Jewish institutions and agencies in the region, hosts community-wide programs, and connects individuals to Jewish life, each other and direct service organizations. To learn more about the Kehillot, click here or email community@jewishphilly.org.