A Covid-19 Chanukah

While growing up on Long Island, my parents celebrated Hanukkah with my brothers and I by preparing holiday appropriate meals—latkes, smoked fish, stuffed cabbage, and brisket—and after dinner we’d light the candles. Since I have two brothers each of us took our turn lighting the menorah. Harry, the eldest, had the job on the first night, Elliott, my twin, lit the candles on the second night, and I, the youngest had the honor on the third night reciting the prayers like my brothers. We followed that order until the final eighth night. Afterwards, my mom would give us each a gift—new socks, underwear, shirts, etc.—saving the last night for the big gift. One year it was a red bicycle for me and a blue one for Elliott. On Shabbat we’d celebrate with our grandparents in their apartment. Grandma taught us to play dreidel and sweetened the pot with chocolate coins. 

As a single parent with two young daughters, I carried on the tradition making Chanukah my girls’ favorite holiday. Chanukah 2020 is beginning sundown December 10 and ending December 18. While growing up and raising my daughters, I never imagined celebrating any holiday under the dark cloud of a pandemic. How is it possible to celebrate Chanukah during the nightmare we’ve dubbed Covid-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), don’t host any get-togethers with people outside your household to contain the spread of the corona virus. If you must invite others to your home during the holiday, celebrate outside—a moderate risk. And keep the guest list to the same individuals each night. If you decide to celebrate virtually on Zoom, the more the merrier. 

If you really feel creative, create a theme for each night of Chanukah. For example, one night could be breakfast for dinner where you can serve matzo brie and exchange morning gifts like warm socks, slippers, bathrobes, and pajamas. (I recently saw an ad on Amazon promoting a “Pajamakah shirt.” Another night can be movie night where you can watch “An American Tail” or “Fiddler on the Roof” and exchange a streamer subscription, an AMC gift card, or a book about a favorite actor.

Recent CDC studies have confirmed indoor socializing at home carries a greater risk of viral transmission than outdoor activities. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned, “Transmissions this fall is happening across all age groups at small indoor gatherings.”

With that said, if you must invite a small group to your home, make sure those individuals are on the same page as you in guarding against Covid-19. In other words, be vigilant in your public health practices—wear a mask in public settings, wash your hands frequently, maintain a six-foot distance between you and others, and avoid touching your face.

It is also suggested you get tested prior to a Chanukah event. People are most contagious a day or two before they show symptoms, so plan a RT-PCR test within a few days of Chanukah.  

Even the most cautious family must realize with socialization comes risk. Outdoor celebration is best, but on cold nights make sure the room you’re in is well ventilated. Rather than eating at one table, set up individual tables with place mats spaced far apart. If you celebrate outside, use space heaters and prepare a Chanukah care package for each guest consisting of a blanket, hand sanitizer, utensils, and a festive mask. If you have to be inside, open all the windows in your family room and space your guests as far apart as possible. Even consider using an air purifier. 

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It’s really a minor Jewish holiday that attained major cultural significance for secular Jews as an alternative to Christmas. This Chanukah we’ll be more like the Maccabees fighting their oppressors, and for 2020 Jews, that oppressor is Covid-19. Be safe and smart as you enjoy the holidays.