Last night, one of our MYA directors attended the menorah lighting ceremony in Hastings.
It was one of those quietly heartening local moments that doesn’t need a grand speech to justify itself: prayers, music, free doughnuts and latkes (both of which we can now confirm are entirely valid ways to build community), and a bit of dancing that managed to be joyful without turning into a spectacle. Most importantly, it all passed peacefully, with warmth and good humour in the air.
Part of the tradition is simple and quietly powerful: you light one more candle each night, and the darkness gets less of a vote.
At MYA we spend a lot of time thinking about hospitality as more than food and logistics. It’s also the act of making space for people, helping them feel safe, welcome, and seen. We’re a team made up of people of different faiths and backgrounds, and we value the communities and traditions that shape the places we work in.
Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating, and to all our friends, clients and neighbours of every faith (and none), we wish you a peaceful festive season.