Hanukkah Spirit Spins Bright at Swampscott’s Dreidel Competition

Spinning the dreidel || Monica Sager
Families came together for the dreidel competition || Monica Sager
There were dozens of dreidels || Monica Sager
There were crafts to enjoy as well || Monica Sager
Latkes were made by Dad Bod Breads || Monica Sager
Children taking part in the crafts || Monica Sager
The dreidel competition took place in about four groups || Monica Sager
Dreidels spun to the the players how much gelt, or money (chocolate in this case) they get || Monica Sager
Everyone concentrated on the dreidel games || Monica Sager
The children gather around Cantor Sarah for the Havdallah service || Monica Sager
Children used colored powders and foils to decorate menorahs || Monica Sager
The event was held at the Clarke School || Monica Sager
Dozens of people joined for the event || Monica Sager
Cantor Sarah lit the candle || Monica Sager

The Swampscott Recreation Department hosted a dreidel competition on Sunday in partnership with PJ Library.

“We are so appreciative and grateful for Swampscott reaching out to us and wanting to include Hanukkah as part of the traditions that they’re having,” said Rachel Orenberg, PJ Library’s parent connector.

PJ Library is an international program for families raising Jewish – and Jewish-plus children, whose households may celebrate more than one religion. The organization offers a free book club for children ages 0–8, sending a new book each month. Recent titles have included a story about Hanukkah in Cuba and installments from the Sammy Spider holiday series, as well as books about cats in Israel, Lynne Krasker, PJ Library program manager, said.

PJ Library also offers an “Our Way” program for children ages 9–12, allowing them to choose from four Jewish-themed chapter books online. Topics range from overnight camp expectations and Jewish history to themes of friendship and caring.

Krasker said the book programs – along with community events like Saturday’s Hanukkah celebration in Swampscott – are especially important “nowadays, educating about how to be tolerant, how to listen.”

For Hanukkah, PJ Library organized the dreidel competition using Hershey’s Kisses as tokens and offering gift cards for winners, along with holiday crafts. Dad Bod Breads served latkes, or crispy potato pancakes, for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s nice to have this and that the community wants this, putting a spotlight on other holidays,” Orenberg said.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ revolt against Syrian rule and the Hellenistic practices imposed at the time. A nine-branched menorah is lit each night to commemorate the oil that miraculously lasted eight days.

“We can educate too. It’s about awareness of all holidays, not just Jewish holidays,” Krasker said, adding that the Swampscott Library does an “incredible” program with PJ Library and other groups to celebrate a wide range of holidays. “We try to be interactive and open and welcoming as much as possible.”

Cantor Sarah Freudenberg of Congregation Shirat Hayam led a Havdalah service, the ritual marking the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week.

“I think it’s great having Hanukkah events for the public,” Freudenberg said.

There are numerous other Recreation Department events coming up for the holidays: