As Hanukkah approached, the team at Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah didn’t want to let their congregants down due to COVID-19 restrictions and hosted a drive-through celebration with fun activities on Sunday, Dec. 13.
Hanukkah is the eight-day celebration known as the Festival of Lights, remembering the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It’s a favorite holiday for Jewish children, and to make the celebration festive yet safe, Temple Beth Torah created its first Drive-Through Hanukkah Celebration.
This innovative event featured seven fun stations. From a sword dual between the Maccabees and the Assyrians to stilt-walkers and a Hanukiyah Watergun Shootout, kids enjoyed nonstop action. There was also a contactless version of the dreidel game to play, complete with traditional gelt prizes — and no Hanukkah celebration would be complete without donuts, decorations and a small gift for each child.
“Though this year is a difficult one, it’s important for our congregation — and particularly our children — to recognize and enjoy the traditions and rituals that we value and enjoy,” said Temple Beth Torah’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz. “We are so appreciative of our staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts made this festive occasion a reality.”
