The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has launched “A Great Miracle Happened Here,” an event series highlighting Jewish communities from around the world.
Through video packages on each of the holiday’s eight nights, audiences will get an inside look at the history, culture and traditions of Jewish New York, Morocco, Ukraine, Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Poland and Latin America.
“We are privileged to bear witness to modern Jewish miracles taking place around the world every day, from Kyiv to Dubai, from Buenos Aires to Casablanca,” said JDC CEO Ariel Zwang. “By sharing these global stories of resilience, inspiration, and diverse Jewish life, we’ll spread light in the darkness and build a brighter tomorrow for Jewish people and communities everywhere.”
Sunday night kicked off with an event in New York City hosted by author Dara Horn that featured guests including Food Network host Molly Yeh, American Israeli rapper Nissim Black and Park Avenue Synagogue’s Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove.
The following presentations will each be hosted by a notable woman leader from the featured community, who will guide audiences through that location’s story, including anecdotes of JDC’s work sustaining Jews in need and building Jewish life, particularly in more remote areas. Each night will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony.
Along with the new program, JDC is sponsoring other global festivities. In India, community members will partake in an annual Hanukkah talent show called Khai Fest and can spread the light by sharing photos of lit menorahs on a communal WhatsApp.
In Latvia, lectures, games and other Hanukkah programs will take place virtually and in person. In Bulgaria, the community will hold a cooking workshop and an online quiz game to partake in activities from home. In Morocco, the local Jewish nursing home will host a holiday celebration with residents.
Meanwhile, across the former Soviet Union, gatherings will include menorah-lightings, concerts, cooking workshops and educational sessions, as well as volunteer opportunities to deliver food packages and other treats to the most isolated.
Each night’s video goes live at 7 p.m. EST on JDC’s Facebook page and on the event website.
For more information on the program, click here.
