By Mike Sherry
Editor
Led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews showed a lot of grit and determination in defeating the Syrians and rededicating the Second Temple.
Modern Jews are employing the same fighting spirit in honoring that victory in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – and this time they are relying heavily on the miracle of technology (not oil) to celebrate Hanukkah.
By reviewing sources that include websites, electronic newsletters, and social media posts, The Chronicle has taken note of several creative solutions among local congregations and organizations to celebrate the Festival of Lights at a time when gatherings threaten public health.
We aimed to be as comprehensive as possible, including events and RSVP dates from Dec. 10 or later. More details are available from the hosts and their internet sites.
Chabad
For the past 15 years, Chabad centers across the state of Kansas have joined together each December to host a Chanukah at the Kansas Capitol celebration. This year, on Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. the centers plan to host an online event where Jewish Kansans from across the entire state will join together to kindle the Chanukah lights. This event will stream live from the state Capitol where Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will light the Shamash.
Meanwhile, Chabad KU is inviting its Jewhawks from all across the globe to join together to light the Menorah as one on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Central Time.
And The Shul – Chabad of Leawood is sponsoring a Chanukah Pajamakah Car Parade on Dec. 16. Participants are encouraged to meet at Chabad of Leawood at 5:30 p.m. A police escort will leave Chabad of Leawood at 5:45 p.m. for treats and a celebration at The J.
Congregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner
In partnering with KC NCSY, the congregation is planning a scavenger hunt on Dec. 13. It starts at 3:30 p.m. in the BIAV parking lot. Participants will take a local drive and pick up clues along the way to help solve a mystery. You can get more information from Rabbi Nati at .
Congregation Beth Shalom
The congregation has a host of events planned for Facebook live, including a preschool family candle lighting and a KCUSY-led Shabbat. Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehuda will lead a singalong on Dec. 15. On Saturday Dec. 12, the synagogue is inviting families to drive thru for a Hanukkah treat.
Congregation Beth Torah
The synagogue is also taking to Facebook live to light the hanukkiot together throughout the holiday at 6 p.m. Nights two and three will take place as part of the Shabbat service and Hanukkah program.
Congregation Kol Ami-KC
For many years Shabbat Hanukah has been a special celebration for Congregation Kol Ami. Everyone brings there Chanukiahs to Erev Shabbat worship, and they light them together (before lighting Shabbat candles). In a non-pandemic year everyone brings latkes or sufganiyot.
This year they will do the service via Zoom on Dec. 11. There will be a family program beginning at 6 pm followed by the service at 6:45 pm.
Congregation Ohev Shalom
The congregation is taking to Zoom for a few events, including a “Let’s Celebrate & Teach Our Kids” with Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Anna Jaffe and a special “Super-Heroes Hanukkah Skit” presented by students in grades three through five. That is on the morning of Dec. 13. Other events include a “Hanukkah Crawl” on Dec. 15 and a Family Hanukkah Kabbalat Shabbat on Dec. 18.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
The J, along with several partners, is sponsoring a Hanukkah Glow Party on Dec. 13. Pick up your goody bags (with glow sticks and kosher Hanukkah treats) at The J circle drive from 12:00-2:00 pm. Then join on Zoom at 5 p.m. for the menorah lighting, dance party, and other activities.
Kehilath Israel Synagogue
The synagogue is inviting congregants to join together to celebrate a virtual worldwide Hanukkah Menorah lighting at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Members should contact the synagogue for the Zoom link.
The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah
Along with traditional observances like the annual Brotherhood Menorah Making Contest, the synagogue is taking to the internet for video happenings. That includes a trivia contest on the first night, and a virtual edition of its 180 Menorahs celebration and dinner on Dec. 11. B’nai Jehudah will also host a safe, socially distanced event in its parking lot on Dec. 17, weather permitting, with crazy Hanukkah outfits and the reveal of the menorah contest winner.
New Reform Temple
New Reform is planning its first annual outdoor Menorah Lighting. Each night of Hanukkah the temple will be lighting its new 9-foot outdoor menorah in front of the Krasne Garden. The eight menorah lightings will take place each night starting the evening of Dec. 10 and ending the evening Dec. 18. All lightings will take place at 6 p.m. except for Dec. 11 which will be held at 4 p.m. Reservations are required, and there will be a limit of 12 cars per night.
