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Community Dec 20, 2017
The unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival. – Photos courtesy of Chabad of Pasadena
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The unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival. – Photos courtesy of Chabad of Pasadena
Chabad of Pasadena ignited a public ten foot Hanukkah menorah at Pasadena City Hall and was followed by a community-wide celebration on Sunday, Dec. 17. The ceremony, organized by Chabad of Pasadena Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, featured live music and entertainment, hot latkas and dreidels.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of Pasadena’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution. ”Said Rabbi Chaim Hanoka.
“I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confident as an American” said Ale Kiguelman, who was looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting. “Chabad’s Hanukkah menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education. I wish they had this where I grew up.”
This year brings added significance as the world marks 50 years since the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory initiated the Mitzvah Campaigns, a historic undertaking that brought Jewish observance and celebration to the streets, laying the groundwork for public menorahs and the worldwide Hanukkah campaign that he set into motion in 1973.
“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Chaim Hanoka. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”
– Photos courtesy of Chabad of Pasadena
The unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival. Pasadena’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message
Throughout the State of California, Chabad will be presenting scores of Hanukkah events and celebrations, including public Menorah Lightings, Giant Menorahs made out of ice and lego, Menorah Parades, Latke Parties, Giant Dreidel Houses,“Chanukah Wonderlands” and more. To find a local event in California, or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit the international Hanukkah event directory at www.chabadpasdena.com/HanukkahEvents.
For morechabadpasadena.com/Hanukkah.
