Rabbi Mendy Goldstein & Rabbi Tzvi Tornek will light the Giant Menorah at 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 18. The event will take place at the Riverwalk Amphitheater (corner of Jackson Avenue and Eagle Street) and will be accompanied by items to include Chanukah songs, donuts, hot latkes, drinks, and Gelt.
Chanukah, a celebration for all time, is highlighted by the kindling of the Menorah each night of the holiday. “It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” said Rabbi Mendy Goldstein, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”
Chanukah propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression, and light over darkness.
In its Chanukah outreach campaign, Chabad of Naperville joins thousands of Chabad centers across the globe that are staging similar public displays of the Menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Columbia to Hong Kong, New York City’s ground zero to the White House lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Chanukah with Chabad.
Registration is open for these exciting events: JewishNaperville.com/Chanukah2022
Other Chanukah events this year will include:
• Women’s Circle Latke Cook-Off, Sunday Dec. 11 7 p.m. – The competition will be fierce, a showcase of culinary skills to uncover who can make the best Latke! Three teams, competing in three rounds, with mystery ingredients, limited time, but with lots of fun! Laughter & Bragging Rights guaranteed!
• Helicopter Gelt Drop, Sunday, Dec. 18 1:30 p.m. – Hundreds of chocolate gelt coins dropped from a real helicopter. There will be Donuts, Latkes, Crafts, and Games!! (Abrams Center for Jewish Life, 651 Amersale Drive.
• Menorah Car Parade, Sunday Dec. 18 3 p.m. – Starting at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, driving through town and ending at Naperville City Hall. Bring your car. We will do the rest, including adding a special menorah to the roof of your car!
• CTeen Chanukah Party, Thursday, Dec. 22 5:30 p.m. – Join your Cteen family for a special celebration for teens in grades 8-12.
• Mommy & Me Chanukah Edition, Sunday, Dec. 25 1:30 p.m. – A Chanukah themed interactive meet-up for parents & littles (0-3 years old). In a warm, welcoming Jewish environment. Chanukah snacks, songs, activities, and projects! Come wearing your favorite Chanukah PJs or Sweater! $5 per child – RSVP: JewishNaperville.com/mommyandme
• December 25 Kosher Chinese Dinner To Celebrate Chanukah
For the last night of Chanukah, the Chabad Jewish Center will be host to a candle-lit Kosher Chinese dinner at 6 p.m., lighting the Menorah and enjoying entertainment from world renowned spoken word artist Ari Lesser. The celebration will be held at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, 651 Amersale Drive. Please RSVP at JewishNaperville.com/Chanukah2022
—Chabad of Naperville