More people than ever are expected to participate in the lighting of a menorah in the B.C. legislature to mark the first day of Hanukkah today, although this year, they’ll do it from their homes.
The menorah lighting usually takes place in front of the legislature building with hundreds in attendance, marking the beginning of the eight-day Jewish holiday. This year, the event will take place inside the building’s Hall of Honour with just Rabbi Meir Kaplan and a technical crew, but they’ve found a way to bring the community together for the ceremony.
A large screen inside the hall will project the lighting of the legislature menorah, while individuals and families are simultaneously projected alongside, lighting their own menorahs at home. Everyone who signed up ahead of time will receive a Zoom link to watch the feed. “That way, people will be not only watching it virtually, but participating virtually,” Kaplan said.
Based on the numbers of people who have indicated they’d like to participate, Kaplan expects more will attend than during past events.
Religious groups have been forced to adjust this holiday season to the loss of in-person services, which have been suspended until Jan. 8 as part of pandemic restrictions that prohibit indoor and outdoor gatherings with anyone outside your immediate household.
Hanukkah celebrations during the rest of the holiday will be smaller this year, without extended family and friends gathering and with no community events because of the pandemic, Kaplan said. “Especially for those who live alone, this will be a different celebration than they’re used to.”
The Chabad of Vancouver Island is delivering Hanukkah packages with a menorah and candles to people who are isolated, to ensure they have what they need to celebrate.
At the Church of Our Lord, a similar delivery service is planned for communion wafer and wine packages, so members of the congregation can break bread together virtually during a Christmas Eve service. Reverend Rob Szo will bless the packages at the church before they’re sent out.
“So they actually have something in their hands that comes from their church community,” Szo said. “It’s sort of virtual, but at least there’s enough of a physical presence that people can feel part of it.”
The church, which has about 200 members, has been hosting online services throughout the pandemic, but it’s not the same as coming together in person, Szo said. “To be limited to online is a huge and unwelcome change for many of us.”
For some, particularly seniors without access to technology, joining in virtually isn’t an option. Some are able to listen in by calling a friend who holds a phone to the livestreamed service, Szo said.
“But I think the people who aren’t digitally inclined, it’s very difficult for them to engage with our Sunday service, because we don’t have any other capability. If it’s not in person, it has to be online.”
Christ Church Cathedral has cancelled its in-person services and gatherings, as well as its popular outdoor sound and light show, a retelling of the nativity story. Celebrations will continue with pre-recorded and livestreamed services. Lessons and carols for Christmas, as well as Christmas Eve services, will be livestreamed on CHEK TV. Information is available on the cathedral’s website
St. Andrew’s Cathedral will continue to livestream its services. Updated information will be available soon on its website.
The Hindu community won’t be able to come together for a communal meal for Bhagwad Gita Jayanti, a holiday dedicated to the sacred Hindu text that falls on Dec. 25 this year, or for an important new year event.
Sridevi Ganti, a spokesperson for the Victoria Hindu Parishad and Cultural Center, said community members are missing in-person gatherings at the temple. Before the pandemic, more than 100 people would come together every Saturday to cook and eat together.
“The temple, it’s not just for prayer, it was for socializing. It was to have a meal together, it was to sing together, it was to catch up on news, catch up on what kids are doing,” Ganti said.
— With a file from Louise Dickson
