Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim

This year, Hanukkah Palooza was held at Temple Shomer Emunim; they hosted a concert for the Maccabeats, the YouTube-​sensation known for their Candlelight music video. I’m not Jewish, but about a year ago, I introduced my kids to Jewish culture through the Maccabeats’ YouTube videos. When I told my kids that the Maccabeats were coming to town, they were super excited.
When we arrived for the concert, we were greeted by a woman who said she wasn’t Jewish either. She welcomed us and answered my questions about how we, as non-​Jews, could respect Jewish customs.
All the Jews we met were very welcoming also. My girls had a wonderful time dancing with the other kids; one of my kids even sat in an older girl’s lap. It broke my heart to hear the Maccabeats talk about some Jewish kids’ challenges attending schools with few, if any, other Jews. My kids and I say «Shalom aleikhem» (i.e., peace be upon you) to our Jewish neighbors.