Tuesday, December 30, 2008 9:36AM
Local Jews light the first candle for Hanukkah
By Justin Arnold
Herald Writer
EDMONDS -- While a winter storm pounded Snohomish County, the Chabad Center kept a light on.
The well-lit house rested
|
Mark Mulligan / The Herald
|
|
Rabbi Zevi Goldberg and Fred Ehrlich prepare to light the first candle on the menorah celebrating the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday evening in Edmonds. BELOW: Traditional donuts join the other dishes at the table during the celebration.
|
atop a hill covered in snow, children bunched up at a window watching the snowfall and for visitors. After all, it was the first night of Hanukkah.
"Anyone and everyone is invited here tonight -- if they can make it," Rabbi Zevi Goldberg said. "The weather is being inhospitable but we are not."
The Chabad Center has been a haven for Snohomish County Jews or even those passing through the area, and has earned a word-of-mouth reputation for a place to seek solace.
Goldberg answers the phone. Another family can't make it.
"No, no, no, don't feel bad. It's OK," he said.
Zevi and his wife Leeba Goldberg may be Orthodox but that shouldn't be confused with a stuffiness or being too serious. Goldberg had an easy smile and spoke with passion as he discussed the Chabad movement. His wife engaged others in fun conversation while holding their youngest, Mendel.
The home was warm and well lit, a large dinner of latkes and doughnuts made by Leeba Goldberg were ready.
"What would you like to eat?" she asked her 3-year-old daughter, Chaya.
"I just want cookies," Chaya said.
Even as the snow raged outside, it couldn't dampen the celebration of faith within.
Fred and Lila Ehrlich arrived just before the lighting of the menorah. While other families had to cancel because of the extreme driving conditions, they made the most of it and cross-country skied an hour and a half to be there.
"Nothing like a good ski to get you in the mood for a good dinner," Lila Ehrlich said.
As the menorah was lit, the rabbi began to sing as his daughter grasped at his hand, staring at the candle flame.
"We kindle these flames for the miracles and wonders we have experienced," Goldberg said.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com
| Traditional donuts join the other dishes at the table, all of which were made using olive oil, during a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah. |
