By Andrea Levinsky,
Right now, many Christians are gearing up toward their holiest days during the time of COVID-19, and wondering what that will be like. As Jews we have already celebrated our most important and holy days in the fall. Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur were of course different this year, but still meaningful as there were multitudes of online services from all over the world available, care packages from the Temple with needed items, and connecting of friends and relatives (even those who live in far-flung places) over the internet. There were definitely some benefits of worshiping in this way! I was able to bring my computer outside and attend services in the sunshine. I could control the temperature when I was indoors to exactly what I wanted. I could eat a snack or go to the bathroom whenever I wanted. Of course, I look forward to going back to when we can gather again, but I assure you that you can still have a meaningful holiday!
The more minor Jewish holiday of Chanukkah began this week and there are many creative ways to celebrate during the pandemic. Outdoor menorah lightings and holiday care packages abound, in addition to online versions of playing dreidel. My family plans to gather on Zoom to light candles together virtually. We will still be giving my grandparents their annual gift of a calendar with photos of their grandchildren and great grandchildren on each page. Normally, we would be together eating latkes and doughnuts, lighting our menorahs, and having a family Yankee Swap. We would line the table with tin foil and fill it with as many menorahs as it could handle. We would sing the blessings together and bask in the light and warmth of the candles.
It might feel scary to think of how we will be celebrating all our holidays, no matter our faith, during the time of COVID-19. But we can do it! We will get through this different year and hopefully appreciate all our holiday traditions even more in the years to come.
Andrea Levinsky has been an educator both in traditional schools and in supplemental education programs. She holds a B.A. from Connecticut College where she studied American Studies, Human Development, Education, and Public Policy. She is currently the Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator at Portland High School. She loves building Jewish Community and is active with both Jewish Action Maine and Moishe House. She is passionate about interfaith connections and is very excited to do this through the Abbey! She also enjoys dance and participating in musical theater productions.
Dreidel photo by Robert Zunikoff
