BETHEL — With the approach of Christmas, the holiday season brings another holiday – one that is happening simultaneously. This year, on the night of Christmas, Jewish families will be lighting the first candle on their menorah to mark the start of Hannukah.
Hannukah is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated by lighting eight candles over the course of eight days, adding one each night. While the Jewish community in the Bethel area is small, during this time of year they still come together for an annual Hannukah party, with a mass menorah lighting to commemorate the holiday.
The Jewish community of Bethel, known as the “Jews in the woods”, does not have many opportunities to come together. The name comes from being so remote. “It’s been called Jews in the woods for 40 years,” said Paul Hausman, who serves as the local rabbi and tutor for young Jews preparing for their barmitzvah or batmitzvah.
Originally, the only community event was Passover seder with rabbi Hausman. Eventually, through suggestions by Doug Alford and Norm Greenburg, the Hannukah party was created as a chance for the Jewish community to come together with a potluck dinner and celebrate the festival of lights.
A new location had to be found, however. Newman couldn’t host at his house due to weather. “Nobody could do it up here because I don’t plow my house out,” he said. “The Alfords have been generous enough to offer their place in Hanover, that’s how it started.” Now, once a year, the community comes together to celebrate Hannukah. “It’s been going on for six or seven years,” said Hausman.
In a place like Bethel, the community is a bit scattered, which means organizing such events takes quite a bit of time. Hausman has a list that he uses. “She (Pam Hausman) has what we call the Passover list, though it’s also the Hannukah list. She has the list, and she gave it to Norm.”
Norm Greenberg has become one of the organizers for the event, alongside Doug Alford. “That list is extensive. It has 150 households,” said Hausman. Not all households are Bethel residents, and not all attend each party.
When it comes to Passover services, Hausman says they have gotten upwards of 80 people. The Hannukah party is smaller scale, but still attracts a good portion of the local Jewish community.
A lichtiger hanukkah … chag chanuka sameach!
Editor’s Note: The author, Chaia Alford, is the Alford family referenced in this story.
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