Community Celebrates Hanukkah Amid Disputes in Columbia, MD

News Summary

As Jewish residents in Columbia, MD celebrate Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas this year, a festive display faces backlash from the local community. The River Hill Chanukah display, renowned for its elaborate decorations, has drawn mixed reactions amidst rising tensions related to political views and neighborhood aesthetics. Despite controversy, the Levine family remains committed to the tradition and its community spirit.

Community Embraces Hanukkah Spirit Amid Controversy Over Holiday Display in Columbia, MD

This year, the city of Columbia is buzzing with excitement as thousands of Jewish residents in the Midlands celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Christmas Day, a rare event that has not happened since 2005. The festivities are set to kick off at sundown on December 25, 2023. It’s an extraordinary time of year, blending the joy of two festive cultures and bringing the community closer together.

Bright Lights and Tradition

At the heart of this year’s celebration is the impressive lighting of a giant menorah at the Chabad Aleph House in Columbia, SC. This ceremony is about more than just decorations; it commemorates the profound victory of the Maccabees over the oppressive Syrian Greek army that aimed to suppress Jewish practices. The lighting of the menorah serves as a powerful symbol of reclaiming the Jewish temple in Jerusalem and is rooted in the miraculous event where a small amount of oil lasted for an incredible eight days.

River Hill Chanukah: A Display of Community Spirit

Closer to home, families can revel in the holiday spirit at the impressive “River Hill Chanukah” display hosted by the Levine family in Columbia, MD. Known as the largest Hanukkah display in the state, this spectacle brings cheer to the neighborhood with thousands of lights and inflatable decorations spread across two properties. Since its humble beginnings in 2014 with a single inflatable bear, the display has blossomed into a community highlight, developing a sense of pride among residents.

This year, visitors to the display can take home delightful Hanukkah boxes filled with essential items like a menorah, candles, and a dreidel, making it even more special. Open every evening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. until New Year’s, it’s an enchanting experience for families and friends. Not just a holiday gathering, proceeds from the display go towards cherished local establishments like a synagogue and the Chabad of Clarksville, reinforcing the message of community support and unity.

Controversy Amid the Cheer

River Hill Community Association recently sent a letter to the Levine family, citing violations of exterior lighting covenants. The community manager expressed that while they embrace the diverse backgrounds of residents, it is important to maintain safety and aesthetic standards to ensure the neighborhood remains attractive and cohesive. Israeli flag as a statement of solidarity had generated mixed reactions, further complicating sentiments within the community.

Community Resilience

Hanukkah.

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Additional Resources

• Patch: Largest Hanukkah Display in State Found in Columbia
• WLTX: Celebrating Hanukkah in Columbia, SC
• WUSA9: Hanukkah Attraction in Columbia, Maryland
• Haaretz: Jewish Columbia Professor Resigns in Protest
• Wikipedia: Hanukkah