WATERVILLE — Beth Israel Synagogue in Waterville welcomed community members of all ages, backgrounds and faiths Sunday for its annual Hanukkah party.
The celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. in the temple’s downstairs gathering space was accompanied by Hebrew tunes and Hanukkah-themed covers, including one notable parody of “Watch me (Whip/Nae Nae)” called “Watch Me (Spin/Drey Drey),” and holiday snacks, including latkes, applesauce and cream-filled doughnuts.
On an unseasonably warm late-December afternoon, more than 50 people gathered around long tables, spinning dreidels and enjoying snacks. Some attendees moved about, catching up with old friends or making new ones.
The Hanukkah party is always an especially joyful event, according to Rabbi Rachel Isaacs of Beth Israel Synagogue at 291 Main St.
“It’s one of our joyous gatherings throughout the year,” Isaacs said. “We invite Jewish and non-Jewish friends, so you’re going to see a really diverse group of people. Something really special is that one of our congregants, Austin, always makes maple cream sufganiyot for the synagogue, which is amazing. And music, dancing, latkes — just enjoying each other’s company.”
The cream-filled donuts, or maple cream sufganiyot, were made with maple syrup from a farm in Maine.
Other attendees from outside the Waterville area also made the trip, with a crew of congregants from Portland arriving just in time to light candles.
Not only did the menorah hold five candles for the fifth night of Hanukkah, but more than 12 menorahs were present, grouped together on a small table in the center of the room.
After the room sang songs — “Watch Me (Spin/Drey Drey)” was left out of this particular mix — and recited the Hanukkah prayers, children volunteered to light the many candles, bringing the ceremony to a close.
The Hanukkah party has been a tradition for decades at Beth Israel Synagogue, always falling on a Sunday and drawing many who are excited to celebrate.
Rebekah Collins, a non-Jewish Waterville resident who attended the party with her family, said she has enjoyed getting to know the religion through events, including the Hanukkah party.
“We’ve loved the community, we’ve learned a lot of different Hebrew things,” Collins said. “We’re Christian, so it’s been really cool to see how our cultures are similar.”
The event never fails to brighten the end of the year, Isaacs said.
“I just love an opportunity to be happy,” Isaacs said. “And I think the Hanukkah party is just always good vibes and happy. And I think that creating space for joy is more important now than ever.”
