UPDATE: Modena, Pennsylvania, residents have rallied to replace a desecrated menorah just in time for the upcoming Hanukkah celebration. Discovered on December 1, 2023, the menorah, which stood alongside a town Christmas tree, was found shattered, igniting a community response that Rabbi Samuel Yolen of Kesher Israel Synagogue calls the “miracle of Modena.”
With Hanukkah just around the corner, townspeople quickly mobilized, raising over $1,000 in a matter of days. Donations poured in from various sources, including a matching gift from the Alliance for Health Equity. The community’s generosity allowed for the new menorah to be upgraded from 4 feet to an impressive 8 feet, with leftover funds earmarked for new security cameras in the park where the menorah is displayed.
Rabbi Yolen noted the significant role of social media in spreading awareness. “We are blessed with technology,” he stated, emphasizing how a congregant’s post went viral, leading to swift support.
In a twist of fate, the new menorah faced a delivery hiccup just days before the Festival of Lights ceremony set for December 14, 2023. A FedEx warehouse mix-up left the menorah lost until an attentive employee, identified only as “Roy,” located it in time for the ceremony. “Thanks to Roy, we’ll be able to light the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah,” Yolen expressed.
The ceremony will see participation from congregants of Kesher Israel, along with community members from Beth Israel of Chester Springs and Beth Chaim Reform of Malvern. Yolen added that Hanukkah, celebrated during the darkest season of the year, symbolizes hope and resilience. “This is a public statement against growing darkness,” he remarked, invoking the enduring spirit of the holiday.
Modena Council President Jennifer Daywalt praised the community’s efforts, stating, “Layers and layers of people came together to help our small community.” She highlighted that many attendees at the ceremony were newcomers, underscoring the unity fostered by this event.
Vice President of Kesher Israel, Amy Kaminsky, reflected on the deeper meaning of Hanukkah. “The people of Modena showed what it means to bring light to darkness,” she said, acknowledging the town’s heartwarming response to the tragedy.
As the Festival of Lights approaches, the community’s spirit shines brighter than ever, reminding everyone that even in moments of despair, hope can emerge from unity and kindness. The new menorah will stand as a beacon of resilience and community support, lighting up Modena this Hanukkah season.
Stay tuned for updates as the ceremony unfolds on December 14, and celebrate the power of community in the face of adversity.
