LIGHTING UP GREATER PHILADELPHIA
H A N U K K A H 2 0 2 2 C E L E B R A T I O N R E C A P
From candle lighting and prayer to concerts and laser light shows, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
ensured a memorable Hanukkah for all. Throughout the holiday, the Jewish Federation’s various departments,
including the neighborhood Kehillot, NextGen and the Jewish Community Relations Council, hosted a number
of events to bring the community together and celebrate the Festival of Lights.

“It was deeply moving to see how people of all different demographics and backgrounds turned out - in frigid
temperatures, no less - to support one another and the community as a whole,” said Max Moline, the Jewish
Federation’s director of Community Development. “Collectively,
Collectively, the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community
showed once again that we are all committed to igniting and carrying the light.”
Overall, more than 1,000 community members participated in the Hanukkah programs hosted by the Kehillot, a
neighborhood initiative of the Jewish Federation to create vibrant communities throughout Greater Philadelphia.

On December 17, the Old York Road Kehillah hosted a
Hanukkah laser light show. Nearly 460 people came out
to see the dazzling show,presented by Wondergy, at
Congregation Beth Sholom.

The Buxmont Kehillah hosted an event at the Horsham
Center for Jewish Life on December 18, where around 150
community members and residents celebrated the first
night of Hanukkah with singing, stories and candle lighting.

The children’s choir of Darchei Noam synagogue, along
with Hazzan Arlyne Unger, gave a special performance of
Jewish and Hanukkah themed songs. Mary, Mother of the
Redeemer Catholic School basketball team also attended
and handed out goody bags at the end of the program.

More than 160 people welcomed the second night of
Hanukkah with the Bucks County Kehillah at Shady
Brook Farm on December 19. The evening was filled with
crafts, candle lighting, music and donuts.

The Lower Merion Kehillah brought in Hanukkah at
the Narberth train station on December 19. Around 50
people gathered to celebrate with blessings, songs,
sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

The Center City Kehillah commemorated the third night
of Hanukkah with a joyous and meaningful candle lighting
at Rittenhouse Square Park. The event brought out
more than 100 people on December 20. After the candle
lighting, the Jewish Federation’s NextGen and other
young professional groups met for drinks at Misconduct.

On December 21, the Northeast Kehillah hosted an
event at House of Kosher with over 125 members of the
community. Participants enjoyed an evening of candle
lighting, latkes, donuts and live music by Ken Ulansey.

See the full roundup at jewishphilly.org/celebrate. Want to get involved
in Jewish life within your community? Contact Director of Community
Development Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org
10 JANUARY 12, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT