Written by Kevin Deutsch
Chabad Jewish Center in Tamarac is hosting two major Hanukkah events for local residents to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.”
Rabbi Koper Silberberg said the focus of this year’s celebration is to add light to difficult times.
“Jews are going through a difficult time with what’s happening in Israel and anti-Semitism around the world,” Silverberg said. “Some may think it’s time to trample on the visible parts of Judaism. Although cautiously, now is the time to increase Jewish pride, not retreat.”
“There are many people in Israel who are experiencing suffering. There are many hostages who have not yet returned home,” the rabbi added. “If ever there was a time to add light, it is now. Unite in light with our brothers and sisters in Israel in our hearts.”
Hanukkah Festival in Unity with Israel
Along with Loa Bais Chaya Academy, the center will host the Unite with Israel Hanukkah Festival featuring the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest dreidel on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the center at 8100 degrees north latitude. .University of Tamarack Ph.D.
In addition to the dreidel presentation, the event will include menorah lighting, magic by Davitt Lo, a Home Depot Hanukkah craft event, music, latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, and more.
The event is free and sponsorships are available. Attendees should RSVP at www.Jewishtamarac.com/Dreidel.
Grand Menorah Lighting and Celebration in the Park
The following two Chabad events will be held at the Tamarack Recreation Center (7501 N. University Dr.) on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 4:30 p.m. This includes a giant ice menorah, Gerd his drop of a fire engine, and hot sculptures and lighting. Latkes, fresh donuts, holiday music, and crafts for the kids.
The first 50 people to RSVP at JewishTamarack.com/Chanukah will receive a Hanukkah souvenir. The event is free and walk-ins are welcome. Affiliation is not required and sponsorship is possible.
Security will be present at both events.
Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day winter festival of lights, celebrated with nightly menorah prayers and frying, Chabad said.
The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “consecration” and was so named to celebrate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ revolt and the resulting Jewish victory.
Silverberg said the unveiling of the world’s largest dreidel and the giant ice menorah sculpture will bring a unique atmosphere to this year’s Hanukkah event.
“This is a really beautiful celebration that we do every year and we invite the community to join us,” Silverberg said of the Dec. 10 event.
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