Shared Light Burns Bright
On the morning of Sunday, December 14, the Jewish community awoke to horrific news of a terror attack at a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The Friendship Circle family was both emotionally and personally affected by the tragedy, still processing all they had learned as they prepared for their own week of Chanukah events.
That night, Friendship Circle expected thousands of people to gather at LifeTown to kick off the festivities with a stunning drone show and meaningful menorah lighting. Whether or not to proceed was never in question. It was more important than ever to unite in the shared mission of spreading light in a moment of profound darkness, while enhancing security to assure everyone’s safety.
“I can promise you that every Chabad Rabbi has the same unified message,” said Rabbi Mendel Solomon, Executive Director of Chabad at Short Hills, as he spoke to a crowd of over 1,200 people. “The only response to this is to bring more light, more joy, more warmth. The more they hate, the more we love. This is the message of Chanukah tonight.”
An abundance of love could be felt as a huge crowd gathered outside of LifeTown despite the frigid temperatures. People were treated to warm Latkas and donuts as they watched an impressive fire juggling show. Many in the crowd were still shaken by the news, but found comfort in community.
“Especially in light of everything that’s happening in the world it’s important to show our solidarity and to stand together,” said Friendship Circle volunteer, Andrea Diviney.
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie and Livingston Mayor-elect Shawn Klein were on hand and provided encouraging words prior to the menorah lighting.
“Tonight, we gather for a reason older than fear and stronger than hate. We gather to light candles, to stand close to one another, and to remind ourselves that in moments of pain and uncertainty, choosing community is an act of courage,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie. “Chanukah reminds us that community is not only who we mourn with, but who we celebrate with, who we sing with, and who we choose to stand beside when the world feels uncertain, because light grows stronger when it is shared.”
The drone show wasn’t the only Chanukah event that uplifted the Jewish community. On December 11, Friendship Circle added even more light to the Prudential Center at the New Jersey Devils Jewish Community Night. As in past years, Friendship Circle was the featured organization of the game, highlighted by the game-used hockey stick menorah that is prominently featured on the main concourse.
The 15-foot menorah was built with New Jersey Devils players’ hockey sticks. Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle, proudly assembled the unique and festive menorah, displayed throughout the Chanukah holiday. The menorah shone brightly for the remainder of the holiday season, bringing joy and hope to all who walked through the arena. This year the menorah was upgraded and enhanced thanks to Metro Exhibit.
“At Friendship Circle, we see every day how one act of kindness can change a life,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “Chanukah teaches us to always increase in light. When darkness grows, we respond by adding more light through mitzvot and kindness, publicly and proudly.”
Friendship Circle also lit up Livingston’s town center during its “Unite the Light” community menorah lighting and DJ party on December 18. The excited crowd sang Chanukah songs and delighted in prizes, giveaways, and refreshments. The Dancing Dreidels helped delight the crowd and encourage the dancing.
But the fun and dancing didn’t stop there. Friendship Circle’s Dancing Dreidels visited the homes of some very lucky participants to ignite the holiday spirit. Lauren Weissberg was shocked when the Dancing Dreidels arrived on her doorstep to bring Chanukah cheer to her twelve-year-old son, Holden. Holden enjoys Friendship Circle programs like Torah Circle and camp, and he was thrilled by the Chanukah surprise.
“The Dancing Dreidels visit to our home was so special,” said Weissberg. “Holden could celebrate meaningfully from the comfort of our own home. Seeing people lovingly dance with Holden reminded me of all the good in this world. They were so kind and compassionate. It was beautiful.”
To bring even more Chanukah joy into homes, Friendship Circle also distributed 1,500 menorah kits, complete with a menorah, candles, the blessings, and a Dreidel.
This Chanukah season, the unity and strength at each Friendship Circle event symbolized a collective hope for the future, reminding all in attendance that light is always stronger than darkness, especially when a community shines together.
