SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Where heroes and fun collide, the Jewish Community Center of Scranton brought the community together to celebrate its Superhero Chanukah Festival.

Gathering to celebrate Hanukkah, the family-friendly event featured appearances by Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Rob the Juggler. Attendees also enjoyed traditional favorites.

Behind the capes and costumes at the festival, there’s a deeper meaning. One that Dan Cardonick, CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Scranton said ties to the true heroes of Hanukkah.

“Today is our Hanukkah festival. It’s a superhero-themed festival. We like to connect pop culture to the holiday, and it’s very symbolic, too, because Hanukkah is not just about the miracle of the light, the oil. But it’s also about saving the Jewish people and our heroes, which is Judah and the Maccabees,” said Cardonick.

From traditional Hanukkah favorites to the range in activities for the community, Cardonick shared what attendees experienced.

“We have wonderful activities going on here today for kids. Hanukkah crafts, Hanukkah-themed programming, as well as all sorts of yummy Hanukkah-themed food cooked in oil, because we’re talking about the miracle of the oil. So, we have Latkes, and we have falafel, and we have donuts, and we have all sorts of yummy treats, for people to partake in today,” said Cardonick.

For many families and longtime visitors, the Jewish Community Center has a place to create memories for years.

“All the activities here are great. I mean, the JCC is great. I’ve been going here since I was four, maybe even a little younger, maybe five or three. But this is a great place. I go here every time there’s a Hanukkah party or any kind of party. It’s great. It’s a great place here,” said Dylan Casey.

For Cardonick, this year’s celebration came with a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.

“We’re celebrating a miracle. We’re celebrating light through darkness as well. Given the current times. The great thing about Hanukkah is that we always look to find that light through darkness. And with the horrific terrorist attack in Australia this morning is hanging over us today. But we are resilient. We’re strong, and we’re here celebrating Hanukkah,” said Cardonick.

The sponsors of the festival included the Foundation for the Jewish Elderly of Eastern Pennsylvania, Race-West Company, and the SB Arenberg Fund.