The community came together for the festival of light as the 9th Annual menorah Lighting took place on Monday, Dec. 19. As Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I) noted in remarks at the event, it was a celebration of togetherness, proof that disparate community can come together.
Rabbi Hannah Spiro, leader of the Hill Havurah congregation told the assembled that there is a debate in the Talmud about what the true mitzvah, or obligation, is around Hanukkah. “When it comes to the menorah, what’s the most important [act] lighting it —or showing it lit?”
“Throughout the debate, it becomes clear that placing a menorah in a public place might not be a commitment, per say, but it’s important,” Sprio continued, “[We’re] loudly, proudly displaying who we are and our resilience and our endurance. That’s so much what Hanukkah is about.”
Referencing the history of Hannukah and incidents of persecution and defacement over the previous century internationally and the last few years in the District, Spiro reminded the crowd that the origin of Hanukkah comes from a time when the Jewish religion was under threat. Then, Jewish people had to hide who they were. “And the Maccabees fought back,” she said. “And that’s why we’re here.”
Spiro said if the Jewish people are going to survive into the future, as they have for generations, they have to be part of brave public engagement such as the community Menorah lighting.
“As we light together this very public, very important menorah may we strengthen in our pride and our purpose and may we bring that strong pride and purpose into our homes, our communities and into our future,” she concluded, before leading the blessing.
Since 2014, community have come together for The Annual Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. The BID and Hill Havurah co-sponsor the menorah lighting held on the front steps of the Church of Reformation (212 E Capitol St. NE).
The 9-foot outdoor menorah was dedicated to BID Past Board Chairman Paul Pascal for his dedication to the mission and vision of the Capitol Hill BID since 2003 as a board member and his seven years as Chairman from 2007-2014. His son, Bruce Pascal, lit the two candles that marked the second day of the festival, as well as the central “helper” candle, called the shammash.
Families and community gathered in the plaza, enjoying hot chocolate and coffee served by the “men in blue” as well as jelly doughnuts and potato latkes, which are traditional foods served during Hanukkah.
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) also attended the event, calling the menorah “a great gift of the Pascal family.”
After the blessing and lighting of the Menorah, the Havurah Harmonists led the singing of “Hanukkah O Hanukkah” and “Light One Candle.” Finally, Kinetic Spinners closed the festival of light with a fire dancing performance.
You can learn more about Hill Havurah by visiting hillhavurah.org. Learn more about Capitol Hill BID and their signature events at capitolhillbid.org
