A New Canaan parade for Hanukkah
NEW CANAAN — The menorah on God’s Acre was to be lit on Thursday, the first day of Hanukkah, but it was to enjoyed virtually on Zoom as New Canaan Jewish traditions are revised this year.
Instead of gathering around the menorah to sing, or participating in the “gelt drop” candy throw, this year there will be a virtual lighting celebrations, a car parade, a fire juggler on God’s Acre and a virtual concert to commemorate the festival of lights.
The festival of lights will be observed to Sunday, Dec. 18, this year, in remembrance of the rededication of the Temple after the Jewish rebels experienced victory over the Syrians in
the second century B.C.
The virtual celebration will include Dreidel games while “we will be in a very safe environment” with
“everybody at home, making sure we are staying close by celebrating as a community,” Rabbi Levi Mendelow of the Chabad
New Canaan, said.
“We light the menorah on Hanukkah near the window to illuminate the outside to remind us of our strength,” and “the power we have to bring light into the world especially at the darkest time,” Mendelow, who is organizing the festivities, said.
A Hanukkah parade will be held on Sunday with New Canaan Police Department and Fire Department escorting cars — many decorated for the festivities — from Saxe Middle School, 468 South Ave., to God’s Acre, 23 Park St. Cars will line up at 5:30 p.m. to depart at 5:45 p.m. on the fourth day of Hanukkah.
Attendees will be able to pick up decorations for their cars at the middle school, including Hanukkah menorahs that light up on the roofs of cars, special Hanukkah flags that can be attached to windows and other decorations.
People interested in obtaining car decorations and swag bags, can contact newcanaanjewish.org
When the parade reaches God’s Acre, attendees in cars can watch fire juggling, sing songs and watch the menorah lit.
“Despite the limitations due to the pandemic, all should participate in the Hanukkah parade celebration,” Roy Abramowitz, who has participated in previous years’ festivities, said.
“Participation will be a breath of fresh air to families and especially the children. It is important to rejuvenate our Judeo-Christian beliefs and not forget celebration of the holidays. Keeping our faith will soften the stresses of the current pandemic,” Abramowitz said.
For the last few years, the firefighters have stood on a fire truck to throw candy out to the children to celebrate.
“Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic has eliminated large public gatherings, so the candy distribution cannot happen this year,” Chief Jack Hennessey said.
“We are all looking forward to a more festive 2021; post pandemic,” Hennessey said.
A virtual Hanukkah concert will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. with live music by Yosef David.