K-W Hanukkah parade finds a safe way to celebrate

The Jewish community is looking to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah by strapping menorahs to their car roofs as part of a parade of lights. 

Normally, the community would come together at Waterloo Town Square for the annual lighting of the menorah this Thursday, but like many this year, there had to be a change in plans.

“We have to stay positive and optimistic, and find the light in the darkness, which is really the story of Chanukah all over. All about finding light in the darkness and the light triumphantly overcoming darkness,” said Rabbi Moshe Goldman with the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life.

“And so we came up with this idea – borrowing it from other communities – to have a parade with cars and members of the community with menorahs attached to the roofs with magnets.”

In keeping with Regional Public Health guidelines, people are not to leave their cars and anyone with symptoms is asked to stay home. The parade will start up in Waterloo and make its way down to the Kitchener Market. That's where residents can enjoy the menorah lighting ceremony, all from the comfort and safety of their cars.

Around 30 to 40 cars have signed up for the parade, with some space still available for more. All are welcomed to join, whether you're Jewish or not, just sign up ahead of time.

And if you can't make it, the Rohr Chabad Centre will be livestreaming the event on their website, along with some other programs later next week.

In partnership with the Waterloo Public Library, Goldman's wife Rivky will be doing a Hanukkah book reading for kids on Dec. 15 at 11:00 a.m. It will be livestreamed on the library's Facebook page.

Later that day after a joint menorah lighting, a doughnut-making workshop is being held via Zoom. Merav Levene, a local pastry chef, will be teaching residents how to make the traditional jelly-filled donut, known as sufganiyot.

“Not your typical thing to make at home. Usually people get them from a bakery, but we're going to try to have an adventure in the kitchen. Everyone will be able to tune in and learn how to make it at home,” Rabbi Goldman said.

The parade gets underway this Thursday, starting at 6:45 p.m. Volunteers will be meeting at the old Chapters building at King and Weber Street in Waterloo.

More information on all the events can be found on the Jewish Waterloo website HERE. 

(1/3) A preview of what is planned for Chanukah this year in KW. We kick things off with a parade on the first night of Chanukah: pic.twitter.com/OeLtOmK6Yp

— Rabbi Moshe Goldman (@JewishWaterloo) December 4, 2020