BRATTLEBORO — In solidarity with the challenges that all marginalized people in our country face today, the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (BAJC) will be shining a light for social justice on each of the eight nights of Chanukah (Dec. 2-9) at eight downtown Brattleboro venues.
According to a news release from the congregation, the seeds for this idea “emerged from a deep desire to be a visible force for tolerance and peace.”
Chanukah's ancient story is one of a small band of people, the Maccabees, who rose up against religious and cultural oppression by reclaiming their destroyed temple. Celebrations ensued around a single vial of oil expected to burn for one night only. Instead, the oil burned for eight days.
Thus, the miracle of Chanukah for the Jewish people is the custom of the “lighting of candles” for eight nights, in commemoration of religious freedom.
“What's really exciting is how this is bringing together people and businesses with widely varied identities to stand in unity for a common sense of fairness and justice,” said Rick Gordon, founder and principal of The Compass School in Westminster.
“I'm amazed at how quickly this idea has caught on,” said BAJC co-president Laura Berkowitz. “It's clear that many in our local community feel moved to stand up for social justice and against the hatred and divisiveness we see around us.
Local businesses are enthusiastic for the opportunity to host a night of candle lighting and to share the message of Chanukah to a wider audience in support of the following human rights issues. Events begin at 5:15 p.m., and will include:
• Sunday, Dec. 2, Elliot Street Fish 'n Chips, a business owned by three women and employing other young women, will host the candle lighting to shine a light on the issue of equality for women.
• Monday, Dec. 3, Twin Flames Taqueria, owned and managed by people who take pride in their Jewish heritage, will host the candle lighting to shine a light on anti-semitism.
• Tuesday, Dec. 4, Twice Upon A Time, which offers used clothing, jewelry and furniture, will help shine a light on those who struggle with addiction.
• Wednesday, Dec. 5, Altiplano will shine a light on the issue of homelessness locally and around the country.
• Thursday, Dec. 6, candles will be lit at Beadniks, to shine a light on the issue of religious freedom.
• Friday, Dec. 7, Gallery in the Woods, with a display of Guatemalan art, will shine a light on the struggles of immigrants to this country.
• Saturday, Dec. 8, Burrows Specialized Sports, owned by an interracial family, will shine a light on racial justice.
• Sunday Dec. 9, the last night of Chanukah, Centre Congregational Church will host the candle that shines a light on the LGBTQ community.
Chanukah's message of freedom, respect, and equality for all people still echoes across millennia, and the BAJC congregation welcomes everyone to join them and stand together in the light. For more information, contact Berkowitz at options@myfairpoint.net.