As we begin a new year with many dark clouds on the horizon, I hope my columns have given readers a few reasons to smile and be grateful for what we have in our community — which is lots of people reaching out to help one another.
More than 250 people came to the menorah lighting celebration at Mercerdale Park on Dec. 7, the first of the eight days of Chanukah. Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld of Chabad Mercer Island used a bucket lift to reach the top of the 12-foot menorah and light first the middle flame, then one on the right. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory of more than 2,100 years ago of “a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the land and its people in darkness,” said the printed programs prepared by Chabad. “A little light expels a lot of darkness.” The family-friendly gathering featured live music, hot apple cider, balloon tying, a dreidel game, prayers, blessings and group songs such as “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah, come light the Menorah. Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the hora.” About 20% of Mercer Island residents are Jewish, and