by Cameron Stokes ’19
Faculty, students and their families gathered to celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah on Dec. 9 with festivities and traditional foods. Families brought their own menorahs if they wished for the brief candle lighting ceremony in the Munger Library conducted by Rabbi Feigenson following by a holiday choral concert and a program.
The Seventh Grade Boys and Girls choirs spent three weeks this semester preparing songs for the concert including “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and “Hanukkah Night.”
“The most rewarding thing about singing at Hanukkah night was seeing that everyone was smiling and happy that we performed for them. I also enjoyed seeing all the little kids singing along to “ ‘Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel,’ “ Ned Garvey ‘21 said.
Although the Hanukkah Party is an annual event, this year it offers a new significance to the HW community. Aside from enjoying the holiday season with friends and family, the Hanukkah party presents an opportunity to both share and experience the religions of others, which is highly encouraged among students and faculty.
“We are invited to bring our whole selves into HW – our religious and ethnic and racial backgrounds– and share them with the community.  This simple party was one way to do that – and I appreciate all the families who came.  Both the Jewish folks who happily lit candles and shared songs, as well as those who aren’t Jewish and who learned a bit about this holiday and customs, ” Rabbi Feigenson said.