Community gathers for annual Hanukkah celebration at First Congregational Church
More than 100 residents filled the basement Sanctuary of the First Congregational Church on Sunday, December 14, for Reading’s annual Hanukkah celebration - an evening centered on community, culture, and light. The event brought together families, local leaders, faith communities, and residents of all ages for music, prayer, food, and shared tradition.
Donuts with various dipping sauces and water available for attendees after the program at the Menorah Lighting. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter was present to ensure full accessibility, and the Reading Community Singers gave festive performances. Attendees enjoyed a welcoming table of refreshments, featuring donuts, latkes, hot chocolate, and water. Alongside the festivities, donations were collected for the Reading Food Pantry.
Children were invited to explore a story walk of Hanukkah Upside Down, set up along the corner of the room, with an activity table stocked with coloring pages and crafts. After the formal program concluded, many stayed to participate in Israeli folk dancing led by Anne Schwartz, adding joyful movement to the night.
Program highlights
Opening and welcome
Rev. Emelia Attridge is welcoming attendees to the First Congregational Church, along with the ASL interpreter, at the Menorah Lighting. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Rev. Emelia Attridge opened the program with a warm welcome and a moment of silence to recognize the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. She extended gratitude to the many groups and volunteers who helped organize, support, and make the event possible.
Reflections from Rabbi Micah
Rabbi Micah offered remarks that centered on the core themes of Hanukkah, emphasizing the story’s message of “spirit over might.” He reflected on the miracle of the oil - meant to only last a single night, yet burned for eight - and underscored that “dedication is what Hanukkah means.” He encouraged the community to celebrate diversity and embrace the rich cultures that shape their lives.
Musical performances
The Reading Community Singers performed two songs: The Chanukah Song and Be a Light. Their performance brought warmth and harmony to the celebration, inviting attendees to reflect on the theme of illumination - both literal and symbolic.
Director of OESJ Albert Pless (left) and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, surrounded by young children as they light the candles on the menorah at the Menorah Lighting. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
The highlight of the evening came when Rabbi Micah called all children in attendance to the front to help recite the three traditional prayers. They were joined by Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Director of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) Albert Pless, and event organizer Anne Schwartz, marking a moment of unity and shared hope. Together, they lit the first two candles on the menorah.
This year’s celebration blended tradition with community spirit, offering a space for reflection, joy, and togetherness. As attendees departed, many after the final rounds of folk dancing, the sense of dedication and light at the heart of Hanukkah remained vividly present.
