My Hanukkah Celebration With The Canadian Forces Base Halifax

MY HANUKKAH CELEBRATION WITH THE CANADIAN FORCES BASE HALIFAX

BY ILANA DOMB

While sifting through the multitude of online offerings from the Atlantic Jewish Council available to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned that not only a Rabbi, but a Chabad Rabbi, became the only non-Christian Chaplain posted to the Canadian Forces Base Halifax. As this is the third rabbi to join the Canadian Armed Forces since the Second World War, it was a tremendous gift that Rabbi Glogauer was sent to us.

Unfortunately, I saw the Atlantic Jewish Council’s mail about the conversation with Rabbi Glogauer one day too late! Feeling excited, I contacted Naomi Rosenfeld, expressing my amazement that we now have a Rabbi and enquiring if I was the only Jewish member of The Canadian Armed Forces in Halifax. Naomi immediately connected me with Rabbi Glogauer and confirmed that according to the Rabbi, there were in fact other Jewish members here.

When I spoke to the Rabbi, I relayed how happy I was and yet surprised that we got a religious Rabbi for such a small number of Jewish members compared to some other cities. I recall Rabbi Glogauer telling me that his role was to make me be proud to be Jewish.

On December 10, Rabbi Glogauer invited me to take part in a ceremony along with 12 Wing Commander Colonel Hawthorne, Chief Warrant Officer Poirier, Major (Padre) Marshall and Sub Lieutenant Bromhead to light a 6-foot outside menorah, which he had had sent from his previous posting in Winnipeg. The lighting took place on the Air Force Base, 12 Wing Shearwater. There were some touching speeches made and I was happy that our religion, although small in numbers, was nonetheless given tribute, by the leaders of the base. I was proud to be a part of the Canadian Armed Forces commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Stadacona Band, of which I am a member playing the French Horn, has been recording many videos during the COVID-19 pandemic to carry out our mission. One of our projects was to record videos to provide music for different faith groups, each creating its own holiday service with the common message, “Many Voices—One Hope”.

Rabbi Glogauer led a presentation explaining the history of Hanukkah, the miracle, and the resulting customs we celebrate. He said that Hanukkah represents our faith, lighting up the world at the darkest times, mentioning not only the winter season but the losses which Nova Scotia has endured this year. Rabbi Glogauer explained that one tiny spark can dispel much darkness and reminded us to add acts of goodness and kindness into our daily activities. He stated that this is seen in the manner in which the shamash remains bright as it illuminates the other candles. “May the light of the Menorah illuminate the darkness and shine a light on a better tomorrow.”

While my colleagues in the Jazz Combo of The Stadacona Band were preparing to record the music for the Hanukkah video, I was consulted not only with musical questions but also about traditions. A colleague from the Production Department studied our holiday, learning that Hanukkah begins and ends at sundown. In celebration of this, The Stadacona Band released “Ma’oz Tsur” at the beginning of Hanukkah and “O Hanukkah, O Hannukah” at the end. I had entered the rehearsal room the day before the recording to listen and sang a verse of “Ma’oz Tsur” with the group—when I was invited to record it the next day! These recordings are available on the Stadacona Band Facebook page. The enthusiasm of my colleagues to play this music and their love for Klezmer was touching. I was thrilled to join my colleagues Petty Officer 2nd Class Krisanne Crowell, Petty Officer 2nd Class Nadia Pona, Sailor 1st Class Jack Brownell, Sailor 1st Class Mark Morton and Sailor 1st Class Andrey Smirnov for this occasion!

I felt proud to celebrate Judaism and share it with my supportive colleagues at The Canadian Forces Base Halifax this holiday season.

Ilana Domb is a member of The Stadacona Band (Sailor 1st Class) and the Head of Brass and Percussion at The Maritime Conservatory. Bachelor of Music, The Juilliard School, New York. Licentiate, The Royal Academy of Music, London.