Arcadia Ireland

Studying in a foreign country brings with it many challenges and new adventures. For many of our students it's the first time they've been away from their families over an important holiday or festival. Guest blogger Lydia Wall reflects on what it's been like spending Hanukkah away from home.

This year marks my first Hanukkah without my family, and I felt a whirlwind of mixed emotions leading up to the first night. I usually spend this holiday with my dad, making latkes, watching Adam Sandler SNL re-runs and attending services. My congregation hosts a a special first night where everyone brings their menorah from home, and we light them together, representing a feeling of community and strength when together.

Hanukkah, to me, is a celebration of hope and perseverance. Instead of dwelling on my absence from home, I decided to reach out to synagogues around London to find a community I could celebrate with. I found multiple events happening this week, but the Chabad of Islington threw a Hanukkah party 10 minutes from my house, and I decided to go! When I arrived, my homesickness instantly began to dissipate. I ate latkes and donuts, danced to modern Hanukkah music, and met wonderful people who live just around my doorstep. My roommate, who is not Jewish, got to experience her first Hanukkah with me, which was entirely special and so much fun. With more hard news coming our way about the world, Hanukkah means even more to Jewish people and even beyond. It gives us the reminder to ignite hope when in dark times. I hope this season we can all share bright times.

We wish all of those celebrating a very Happy Hanukkah!