It almost seems preordained that a thoroughfare known as Brightside Avenue would be a community gathering spot to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
“I’ve always loved the name of our street,” says Wendy Hefter.
Yes, Baltimore, there is once again a “Chanukah House.”
For more than two decades, Charm City’s original “Chanukah House,” at 6211 Park Heights Ave., was an annual tradition for families seeking to inject some holiday ruach, or spirit, into their lives. With its holiday accoutrements, array of cartoon characters and colorful displays, the nationally known house — owned and operated by the late Ann and Morris J. Cohen and their family — drew throngs of faithful visitors, including civic leaders who attended the nightly menorah-lighting ceremonies.
In 2010, the “Chanukah House” operation was taken over by the Fleischman family at 6721 Greenspring Ave.
Later this month, Wendy and David Hefter will make their debut as custodians of the “Chanukah House” experience, with many of the original decorations from the Cohen residence on display.
Located at the Hefters’ home at 101 Brightside Ave. in Pikesville’s Ralston community, the “Chanukah House” will be exhibited through the end of the year. The menorah-lighting schedule during the holiday will be Dec. 18-21 at 6 p.m., Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., and Dec. 24-25 at 6 p.m.
The Thursday night, Dec. 22, gathering at the “Chanukah House” will be hosted by the newly created Chabad of West Pikesville, led by Rabbi Zalman and Sara Marshall. Among the individuals, organizations and groups scheduled to appear at the house during the menorah lightings will be the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company.
David Hefter, whose family belongs to Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim Synagogue, says he first contemplated resuming the tradition last year after visiting Houston’s celebrated “Hanukkah House.”
“It’s phenomenal, so well-done,” says David, who works in government information technology services. “It really ignited the spark. We used to take our kids to [the ‘Chanukah House’ in] Park Heights, and we knew we hadn’t seen it in Baltimore for several years. There was a hole in the Jewish community. So we came back home and looked into it. It all just fell into place.”
After buying many of the original “Chanukah House” decorations and signs from the Fleishmans, the Hefters began purchasing and creating some new ones of their own, including a large chanukiah, a row of white dreidels and a custom-made inflatable Chanukah “tubeman” with flailing arms. Among the original items are the holiday-themed bears, Minnie Mouse, Elmo, “Winnie the Jew” and a joyful, life-size Chasidic rebbe, all situated on the Hefters’ spacious porch.
“We wanted to incorporate the old items, toys and displays with the new,” says Wendy, sporting festive menorah earrings. “The continuity is so important. People fondly remember the bubbie and zaydie and all the great characters. … Plus, David has the time to do this now and really enjoys it. It’s fun for him, and it’s fun watching him be so excited.”
Says David, who works remotely since the start of the pandemic: “I jumped on it, especially with the after-the-holiday sales last year. I went to Home Depot and started buying a bunch of blue-and-white bulbs and dying them.”
The Hefters — who have been married 37 years and have four adult children, two sons-in-law and a six-month-old grandson — have lived in their home since 1991. A large bungalow designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the 116-year-old house was formerly owned by the Hamburger family, known for their local retail clothing business.
Despite the sharp rise in antisemitism around the country over the past year, the Hefters say they are not concerned about the “Chanukah House” attracting acts of hate or vandalism.
“We’re not aware of any antisemitism during the 30 years we’ve been here in this neighborhood,” says David, a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. “I asked our neighbors who’ve had Chanukah items on their lawn in the past and they said they’ve never had a problem. We hope there will be no issues.”
Says Wendy, a professional organizer who grew up in Pikesville: “It’s just a joyful thing for us to do. We have to believe Hashem will watch over us.”
So far, the Hefters have relied on social media, flyers and word-of-mouth to let the community know about the resurfacing of the “Chanukah House.” They have also informed their neighbors and law enforcement authorities.
“The neighbors have been watching the progress [of decorating the house] and saying great things. Everyone seems to like it,” says Wendy. “We have no idea what exactly will happen during the actual week of Chanukah [regarding traffic or congestion], but I don’t think there will be any problems. This just people an activity to look forward to. To watch the kids’ faces will be amazing. Our family just loves holidays, birthdays, anniversaries. We love to celebrate.”
The Hefters say they plan to oversee the “Chanukah House” for the long haul.
“We’re not moving from here. This is our home,” says Wendy. “David already has a lot of future plans [for the ‘Chanukah House’].”
Meanwhile, David sounds a more cautious tone. “Let’s just get through year one and then we’ll come up with new ideas that are reasonable,” he says. “We have ideas simmering. But right now, it’s just fun to spread the joy. You already see that ‘wow factor’ when people see the house while driving down the street.”
The “Chanukah House” will be on display nightly from 4 to 9 p.m. throughout this month. For information, visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088364941458. Donations are accepted at account.venmo.com/u/david-hefter-1.
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