The clouds were heavy and gray, but inside Mishkan Torah the mood on December 10 was festive and bright. About 50 people, from toddlers to seniors, attended the free event, which took place on the third of Hanukkah’s eight days.
Children from Mishkan Torah’s Karp Family Hebrew School performed a stage adaptation of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel. Maggie Brown starred as Hershel, a clever and resourceful traveler who outwits a series of increasingly fearsome goblins (played by the versatile Emmanuel Gold) and brings the holiday of Hanukkah back to the town of Ostropol. Dmitri Barnes played the town’s rabbi, and Theo Kliman narrated. Isaac Hoskey and Brian Needelman provided music and sound effects. Cantor Yael Fischman directed the play and led
attendees in singing Hanukkah songs during and after the performance.
After the play, everyone enjoyed latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts. Fried foods like these are traditional because, in the Hanukkah story, a small amount of oil that should have lasted only one night lasted for eight. This miracle allowed the Jewish resistance fighters, or Maccabees, to keep a light burning continuously after they reconquered the temple. The party wrapped up in the early afternoon with menorah lighting and a singalong.
Mishkan Torah’s Children’s Education Committee, which co-sponsored the party along with the Sisterhood, is planning to host more events for children and families this winter and spring. These include a playgroup and story time for preschool-aged children on Sunday, December 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and events related to the upcoming holidays of Tu B’Shvat and Purim. Visit mishkantorah.org or email childrensed@mishkantorah.org for more information.
Karen Knee is the Children’s Education and Youth Activities Chair with Mishkan Torah.
