December 30, 2025
By Fiona Rae, Communications Intern
Photos courtesy Sam Zakarin, Photography Intern
On Friday, December 19th, Beth Emet’s community came together to celebrate Shabbanukah. The event was a wonderful combination of Shabbat and Chanukah, weaving the two celebrations into an evening to remember. Guests showed up in silly Chanukah sweaters, bringing a festive feeling. The tables were decorated with candles and gelt as treats. We enjoyed a Pita Inn dinner supplemented by lots and lots of latkes.
After dinner, we moved to services. We acknowledged our newest members with a special blessing. Music was led by our Cantor Natalie Young, with special interfaith guests from local houses of worship who came to show their support. We were treated to a performance from Kovachim, our youth choir, where children sang holiday songs and everyone joined in. After the choir, there was a special play put on by congregants, re-enacting a queen’s embrace of some particularly special latkes.
Ending the evening, Rabbi London offered blessings and the congregation said Kaddish for those who had been killed during the ruthless antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, as well as for community members who had passed. As the night ended, we held an appreciation for those celebrating with us and in our lives. The evening ended with kiddush and a traditional touch of fried sweetness: sufganiot (jelly donuts).
