SRO Chanukah (Standing Room Only!)

They came from all over last night to celebrate the first night of Chanukah at Or Ami. Even staying within the room's limits, we kept setting up chairs and more chairs, and then moved back the bimah and put the table with the candles in front of the ark, and set up more chairs, and they still kept coming. With our Jewry Duty band playing Chanukah songs throughout, we told the story, sang songs, lit candles and celebrated. Special time set aside to change a light bulb to a CFL (low energy compact flourescent lightbulb) transformed the lighting of candles into an illumination of our responsibility to take care of our world. We also collected tzedakah to purchase bags and boxes of fresh produce so to ensure that our SOVA food pantries will have fresh produce weekly to feed their 1500 guests. I admit being a bit overwhelmed. We set up chairs for 220 before the service. A quick count put the actual numbers at closer to 285 by services end (not including those just milling around in the foyer). What is it about Chanukah that has people turning out in such numbers? I think it is something attached to a desire to celebrate the holiday in a religious/historical context, rather than merely to light and give presents. Wonder what others think...