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Who would dream that the idea for GJC’s beautiful outdoor Hanukiyah came from such disparate sources as a recent convert to Judaism and the Lubavitchers? In 1999, Harold Arnold, then a member of the synagogue and a new Jew-by-choice, mentioned to me that he was impressed by the large Hanukiyah put up by the local Lubavitcher organization on Independence Mall. Dick Menin, the newly appointed president of the Men’s Club, had been searching for a project to put a bigger footprint for the organization on the shul’s map. Harold’s casual remark fell on waiting ears. In a flash, Dick saw what a good idea it would be for us to “show the lights” in our part of the city as well.
Harold was an electrician and assured me it was possible to wire up the structure, without trouble, whatever form it might take. Dick was friendly with Tim Daniels, z”l, a very resourceful carpenter, and enlisted his aid. What we didn’t have was a design. The shul grapevine led Dick to Hy Zelkowitz, known to many as a highly talented designer.
Harold, Tim, and Dick had a preliminary meeting with Hy at a restaurant in Manayunk. Hy instantly embraced the idea, drawing up a few sketches and insisting on full artistic license for the project. Things moved forward quickly, and the concept of free-standing candles held by dancing children was born. After several meetings to refine the ideas, they were ready to realize their vision.
Hy had the great idea to get children from the Religious School to roll around on large brown paper sheets on the floor of the Charry Lobby. Hy drew outlines of their spontaneous poses. These outlines, edited by Hy’s artistic eye, became the templates for the figures of the Hanukiyah. Hy cut out the basic shapes on foam board, which Dick traced onto outdoor industrial sign board.
Dick enlisted the help of Jay Furman, z”l, and after they cut the sign board forms in Dick’s garage, they labeled the pieces and took them to GJC. Hy directed the drilling for the wires that are used both to give form to the figures and allow them to be hung from the poles. Tim designed the support mechanism for the poles, a technique the Men’s Club still uses. When the figures were ready, the group invited the religious school students to help paint them. This they did with great enthusiasm.
By the fall of 2000, it was time for the volunteer “Hanukiyah Crew,” the original team of four Men’s Club musketeers, to show that the system of figures and candles could be set up and work. The test assembly was very much a challenge, as the best spacing for the candles/poles was not obvious. The weather was not entirely cooperative. It took a few days but finally, the structure went up and has remained with the same dimensions ever since. At first, the candles could be lit from within, but the figures were not illuminated, so the Men’s Club ended up using the headlights of a 1995 Sentra to allow the figures to be seen at night. The next year they wired up spotlights that are controlled by a timer. Although the spotlights are intended to illuminate the figures, one of the surprising benefits of the lighting is the beautiful array of shadows cast on the Ellet Street wall of the synagogue, and when children are running around the base of the Hanukiyah in the evening, the shadowed effect is stunning.
Although the materials for the Hanukiyah were not terribly expensive, to help defray initial and ongoing costs, David Kraut suggested candle sponsorship. This tangible opportunity for members to honor or memorialize a loved one or group with a donation of $36 has not only covered the costs but also enables Men’s Club to provide major support for GJC’s annual Hanukah party. A candle sponsor selects the day of the holiday for his or her dedication and provides the name(s) of those to be honored or remembered. Hy’s friend and fellow GJC member David Berg prints the names on clear acetate sheets that are affixed to the candle holders.
Each day of the chag the GJC Men’s Club holds a brief lighting ceremony to read the dedications, recite the blessings, and sing holiday songs. Clearly, the most well-attended lighting is the night of the shul’s Hanukah party when there will often be over 100 attendees.
The first “Hanukiyah Crew” had no idea whether the Hanukiyah would work or be accepted. Hy saw it as a one-year effort. In its fourth year, the Hanukiyah was not put up, which drew an outcry of objection from both GJC members and neighbors. Now the Dancing Children Hanukiyah, first assembled in 2000, has reached beyond its 20-year anniversary.
Germantown Jewish Centre remains in awe of Hy’s creative genius. From his fertile imagination came a functional, religious work of art that has distinguished this shul, graced our holiday observance, beautified our neighborhood, and brought people together. For shouldering the tasks of installing and maintaining the “Dancing Children,” we give a hearty kol ha kavod to our dedicated “Hanukiyah Crew” each and every year.
