What’s happening:

NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli marked Hanukkah aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with a unique zero-gravity celebration.

Why it matters:

This celestial observation of the Jewish festival underscores the inclusivity and cultural diversity in space missions. Moghbeli’s participation also highlights the blending of traditions, as her family honors both Christmas and Hanukkah, reflecting a broader social acceptance and recognition of interfaith households.

Details:

Adapting to the constraints of space, Moghbeli showcased a felt menorah with attachable flames and a floating dreidel in a video she shared, emphasizing the ISS’s no open flame policy. Her efforts demonstrate the possibility of celebrating cultural traditions even while orbiting Earth.

The bigger picture:

Moghbeli is not the first to celebrate Hanukkah in space, joining the ranks of other Jewish astronauts who have observed the holiday aboard the ISS. Her initiative also brings attention to the representation of Iranian-Americans in space exploration, as she is the second individual of Iranian descent to travel to space.

Zooming out:

As the world continues to explore space, the astronauts’ personal lives and cultural practices are becoming a point of interest and inspiration. Such celebrations offer a humanizing glimpse into the lives of those who live and work in the vast expanse of space.

This story was first published on jpost.com.