Jewish and Israeli Holidays
Precautions would have to be taken and the event would be shorter than usual, but it would indeed take place.
The Twitterverse responded to his announcement of tzedakah with people calling the football player a “mensch” and inviting him for latkes, coffee and even to Friday-night Shabbat dinner.
“The occupation state ... is exploiting every opportunity, and particularly the so-called ‘Jewish holidays,’ in order to commit crimes,” says P.A. Supreme Sharia Judge Mahmoud al-Habbash.
“Who would have believed that peace would come to our home in such a glorious way? It is a Hanukkah miracle,” says Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch.
“We pivot on a challenge, so this year, we’ll find creative ways to celebrate and connect to the people we love,” says Neal Hoffman, creator of Jewish-themed stuffed toys.
“I am moved that my daughter will be experiencing a true Hanukkah here,” says a Talmud Torah parent. “For her to be able to grow up in the desert with such Jewish pride is a modern-day miracle.”
During World War II, when Britain was battered and bombed by Nazi Germany, people were able to be together, to sympathize with hugs and shoulders to lean on. Not so during COVID, but we create that feeling virtually, as we also light the candles from afar.
“Hold on to your tuchuses because we’ve got something special coming for your shayna punims. L’chaim!”
“Despite a tough year, Jersey City is as strong as ever, and we remain an amazingly diverse city with different communities working together to build a better future,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, the grandson of Holocaust survivors.
Programs and videos sponsored by the JDC will include participants from Cuba, Hungary, India, Morocco, Russia, Ukraine and Israel.
Called “Or Eitan” or “Share the Light,” the project allows Jews all over the world to upload photos of themselves lighting candles and wishing Happy Hanukkah to their family, friends and the entire Jewish people.
“Due to the pandemic, numerous traditional aspects of the Hanukkah celebration will be different this year. It is nevertheless incumbent upon us to ensure that we derive the appropriate joy and inspiration from these holy and special days,” said OU president Moishe Bane.
