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SALT LAKE CITY — For Rabbi Avremi Zippel, of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, changing this year's Hanukkah celebrations to align with COVID-19 health guidelines was reminiscent of the holiday's early beginnings.
"They knew they wanted to do something special when they realized that the hand that they had been dealt, the situation that they were dealing with kind of made that a little bit tricky and frankly a little bit impossible," he said, referring to the origins of Hanukkah more than 2,200 years ago.
But ultimately, those who practice Judaism believe a miracle took place after they were able to light the menorah for eight days with only enough oil to last one day.
"They did the very best with what they were dealt. They realized that was the specific situation that God Almighty placed them in and they were going to make the best of the situation that they had," Rabbi Zippel said.
"They did what they did and God did what God did," he added.
Now, the Jewish community is emulating their forefathers and doing the same thing: finding a way to celebrate with what they have and relying on God for the rest.
This year, Rabbi Zippel helped adjust Hanukkah plans for Chabad Lubavitch of Utah and found a way to continue the holiday while staying safe during the pandemic.
The celebration will begin Thursday at 5:30 p.m. when Gov. Gary Herbert lights the about 20-foot menorah at the grounds of the Utah State Capitol building. Guests can attend the event from their cars in the parking lot at the northeast corner of the capitol complex.
At the lighting, there will be a special salute to the health care heroes working on the frontlines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Rabbi Zippel said.
Menorah lightings will take place each night at the Downtown Menorah at Abravanel Hall Plaza, 123 W. South Temple, with social distancing precautions in place. Anyone is invited to attend for free.
The message of Hanukkah and lighting the menorah symbolizes adding light, warmth, and love and continually increasing each one from the previous night — an idea needed now more than ever, Rabbi Zippel said.
"It's a theme, which is powerful now more than ever. I think it's something which this world needs more than ever: adding light and positivity and hope and courage and faith for the future," he said.
On Sunday, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah will host its first-ever car menorah parade, which will travel from the synagogue's parking lot in Sugar House to Abravanel Hall Plaza. Anyone can watch the parade, with social distancing and mask guidelines followed.
Cars will leave the parking lot about 5:30 p.m. and take 2100 South, down Main Street and cross over to West Temple before finally arriving at the plaza. It's free to register and there will be about 25-30 cars in the parade along with some firetrucks and a few other special vehicles, Rabbi Zippel said.
"Everyone's welcome to follow us or watch from the street as we wind our way through town. We want to involve as many people as possible," he said.
The parade will have a full police escort and cars can purchase or rent a large menorah to go atop their car with four candles lit to mark the fourth day of Hanukkah.
"Like our ancestors many hundreds of years ago, we called an audible, decided to do the very best with what we have," Rabbi Zippel said. "For us, it's about improvising and adapting and making sure that we can bring about our heritage in our tradition, even in sometimes the most troubling circumstances."
