Chabad of Arcadia to light up one of 15,000 public menorahs worldwide, symbolizing universal message of religious freedom
Chabad of Arcadia will ignite a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah erected at Arcadia Transit Plaza, along with a community-wide celebration on Dec. 26, the fifth night of the eight-day holiday. The ceremony, organized by Chabad Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, will feature a Grand Gelt Drop from a fire truck — thanks to AFD — greetings from Mayor April Verlato, who will be in attendance along with many prominent city officials. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds will dance, sing and eat the night away, concluding the evening with a raffle for some great Chanukah prizes.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of Arcadia’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship God freely, openly, and with pride. This is true especially 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 Stiefel.
“I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans” said Alex of Arcadia, who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting. “Chabad Lubavitch’s Hanukkah menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education.”
The Menorah lighting is part of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign, an initiative launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle.
“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” shared Rabbi Stiefel on Monday at another Chanukah party at City of Hope. “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.”
Today, 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. Arcadia’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 Thousands of Hanukkah events and celebrations, including: public Menorah Lightings, Giant Menorahs made out of donuts and Jelly Beans, 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 JewishArcadia.com/Chanukah.
For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit JewishArcadia.com/Chanukah5780.
Where: Arcadia Transit Plaza – 95-99 E. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, CA 91006
When: Dec. 26, 5:30-7 pm..
Cost: Free. RSVP appreciated: JewishArcadia.com/GeltDrop.
