2020 Chanukah celebration gave light to Lynnwood

By Noel Pai-Young | Lynnwood Times Staff

On Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, Chabad of Snohomish County hosted their ninth annual Chanukah Drive Through celebration at Lynnwood City Hall. The event featured live music, an LED performer, a five-foot ice Menorah by Cascade Crystal Ice Sculptures, Chanukah doughnuts and treats, and professional photo opportunities.

From their cars, attendees were able to meet Judah Maccabee, who was handing out doughnuts and goodie bags to the kids. Judah Maccabee was a leader in the Maccabean Revolt who fought for Judean independence, recorded in the Books of Maccabees.

It was a challenge for Chabad of Snohomish County to come up with a way for families to celebrate the COVID safe community-oriented event but with some creative teamwork, their members were able to find a way to create a dynamic event that had something for the whole family, all while following social distance mandates. This year, families were given Menorah kits to light at home.

“With the incredible challenges of the last 10 months, this is needed today more than ever, and we hope that this event will lift peoples’ spirits and serve as a reminder that in this beautiful world which G-d created, there is light, love and purpose, not only at the end of the tunnel, but here and now,” said Rabbi Berel Paltiel of Chabad of Snohomish County.

“I have often shared with our community to, ‘remember to wash your hands and in whose hands you’re in.’ The Maccabees faced incredible odds and had to, ‘wash their hands,’ by going to battle and doing all they could to help themselves. Yet, they were confident of victory and saw miracles because they knew that ultimately, they were in G-d’s hands and that things would be okay. The Hanukkah flame we kindle in our homes reminds us that just like the Maccabees, we are not alone. There will be light!”

Paltiel also wanted to give a special thank you to all of the event’s sponsors as well as the City of Lynnwood, especially to its Events and Outreach Coordinator, Misty Burke, for helping with the organization of the event.