From Hampstead Pond, along to Golders Green Station and down to Chalk Farm Bridge, in North London you can’t fail to notice that this week we are celebrating the festival of Chanukah. Outdoor menorahs have been set up with one candle the first night, climaxing at eight candles on 25th celebrating the annual festival of light.
The story of Chanukah revolves around a miracle. Holy oil that was meant to burn for one day lasted for eight – hence the eight Chanukah candles which burn brightly on our home and public menorahs.
My family, like so many other Jewish families, lights the candles and then gets stuck into donuts, latkes and other deep fried, life-shortening foods eaten, apparently, to remember the miracle of the oil.
Like with Christmas, whose winter season we share, there is a tradition of giving gifts around Chanukah - anything from a simple chocolate coin, up. With the biting cold last week and now, the driving rain, both my sons received soft, warm beanie hats and gloves in appropriate shades and sizes.
This winter really does have an icy feel - from the hike in heating prices, the widespread industrial unrest, the war in Ukraine and the tragic stories from tiny boats crossing icy English Channel seas.
This Chanukah, in particular, seems to be a time to reflect on the miracle of the light and opportunity in our own lives - and to consider the needs of our neighbours.
North London is home both to people with unmet needs and to people able to help meet those needs. So whether we have spare warm clothes to donate to local refugees, food to take the food banks, toys to send to children for Christmas, or simply a warm meal delivered to an isolated neighbour, there are local ways to contribute.
With our Menorahs shining bright alongside the Christmas decorations on our streets, there are opportunities to make this season one of warmth, light, and care. And then, to share just a few jam filled, deeply fried, inexplicably joyous donuts.
Laura Marks OBE is founder of Mitzvah Day, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and an interfaith consultant – commongood.uk.com
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