New Jersey’s Ben Porat Yosef (BPY) was the school chosen to represent the U.S. in a special candle lighting ceremony for the Ohr Eitan, Share the Light project, an initiative of the Israeli government. The school, along with others in Mexico, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Greece and more, joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sarah to light the candle for the first night of Chanukah. The Natanyahus warmly welcomed and waved to all those participating on Zoom, stressing how incredible it was to have these communities from all over the world join them for this holiday celebration. Netanyahu also visited with the group and interacted with them on Zoom.

The evening also featured a show-stopping Chanukah-themed video projected on huge screens, and a variety of song and musical performances.