Today, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli will "light" her first Hanukkah candle in space. Moghbeli is aboard the International Space Station as a member of the international crew. Due to safety regulations prohibiting open flames on the ISS, Moghbeli's Hanukkah menorah and candles are made from felt.
According to the astronaut, her husband, Samuel Wold, and her twin daughters took part in creating the felt Hanukkah menorah and candles. "My husband and little girls helped me make a felt menorah, with lights for each night that I can pin on to celebrate with them," Jasmin Moghbeli shared, adding that her family observes both Hanukkah and Christmas.
Astronauts have creatively celebrated holidays on the ISS for many years. In 2019, during Hanukkah, astronaut Jessica Meir, who is Jewish, wore festive socks adorned with menorahs and representations of the Star of David.
