Iowa’s Far Flung Jews Weren’t Forgotten This Chanuka

Five towns in the North East Iowa region hosted public menorah lighting ceremonies this year, arranged by shliach Rabbi Aron Schimmel.

By Anash.org reporter

Five towns in the North East Iowa region hosted public menorah lighting ceremonies this year, arranged by Postville shliach Rabbi Aron Schimmel.

The events were attended by the local Jewish community, along with their spiritual leaders and public officials who were honored at the lightings. Attendees enjoyed lively chassidic music and dancing, latkas and donuts, and happily took home menorahs, dreidels and Chanukah gifts.

“If there was an existing Jewish community in town, no matter how small, we made a public menorah lighting there,” said Rabbi Schimmel.

The menorah lightings attracted dozens of Yidden who live in those cities. “We made new connections and we plan to remain in contact with them, to continue bringing them the light of G-d and Torah,” said Rabbi Schimmel.

The menorah lightings brought in lots of positive feedback from local Jews.

“Blessed to be there last night. It brought me a lot of joy. Thank you.” wrote Connie Boyer, Mayor of Fairfield, lowa

“Thanks for hosting events in Cedar Rapids! We don’t have a real synagogue here so it’s great that someone orthodox is creating something here that’s real Judaism! said Lee Birchansky of Cedar Rapids.

Thank you again for a very successful event. Picture-with-caption on the front page of the Cedar Rapids Gazette today – Steve Ginsberg, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.