UPDATE: In a remarkable show of community spirit, residents of Modena, Pennsylvania, have swiftly replaced a desecrated menorah just in time for Hanukkah. Discovered in pieces on December 1, 2023, the public menorah, located next to the town’s Christmas tree, was vandalized, prompting an urgent response from the tight-knit community of about 500 residents.
With Hanukkah approaching, townspeople quickly mobilized, raising over $1,000 within days to purchase a new menorah. Contributions poured in from various sources, including a matching donation from the Alliance for Health Equity. The community’s generosity enabled them to upgrade the menorah from a modest 4 feet to an impressive 8 feet. Any surplus funds will be used to enhance security with new cameras in the park.
Rabbi Samuel Yolen of the Kesher Israel Synagogue hailed the effort as the “miracle of Modena.” He noted that social media played a vital role in spreading the word, with the fundraising campaign going viral thanks to local congregants.
In a twist of fate, the new menorah faced a delivery hiccup when FedEx reported it lost in a warehouse just a day before the planned Festival of Lights ceremony on December 14, 2023. However, thanks to a sharp-eyed employee named “Roy,” the menorah was found in time for the celebration, ensuring that the community could gather and light it together.
The Festival of Lights ceremony drew congregants from multiple synagogues, including Beth Israel of Chester Springs and Beth Chaim Reform of Malvern. “This is a public statement at a time of growing darkness that we are dedicating ourselves to inclusion and neighborliness,” Rabbi Yolen remarked. “By your light, I see the light. We basically stepped into the set of a Hallmark movie.”
Jennifer Daywalt, president of the Modena Council, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Layers and layers of people came together to help out our small community when they didn’t have to.” She emphasized the significance of the event, noting that many attendees were visiting Modena for the first time.
Amy Kaminsky, vice president of Kesher Israel, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Hanukkah is a story of rebuilding and bringing light to darkness. “The congregants of Kesher Israel are so touched that this small, but mighty community, felt moved to honor the Jewish tradition in this way,” she said.
This heartwarming story of community resilience and unity serves as a beacon of hope as Hanukkah begins, reminding all of the power of coming together in times of need. As the lights of the new menorah shine brightly, the residents of Modena reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and solidarity.
