PUBLIC CHANUKAH MENORAH LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Public Chanukah Menorah Lighting and HolidAY Celebrations

Live Music, Refreshments, Children's Entertainment and more!

Every year Chabad-Lubavitch, the fastest growing Jewish organization in the United States, observes the Festival of Lights with public Menorah-Lighting celebrations. Led by Governors, Dignitaries and Mayors, these Chanukah Menorah lightings remind us of the universal message of freedom from tyranny and the timeless belief that miracles are possible.

Chanukah is celebrated for eight days and nights - in our region, the Chabad-Lubavitch Center of Essex County invites all friends, neighbors and families to the following events:

Wednesday, December 1^{st --} Chanukah begins at dusk. At 4 pm, the newly-elected Mayor of West Orange, Hon. Robert Parisi, will help light the Chanukiah (the Hebrew word for the Chanukah Menorah) at West Orange Town Hall, 66 Main Street.

Thursday, December 2^nd  -- 3:30 pm -- On the 2nd night of Chanukah all residents of New Jersey are invited to join Governor Chris Christie, NJ Government employees and Chabad's NJ delegation as we to light the GIANT Chanukiah in front of the State House in Trenton for the consecutive 28th year.

Saturday Night, December 4^{th -} Let the Party Begin! Chabad's Annual Chanukah Extravaganza 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. An evening of joy and laughter! The activities for Children and Adults include an interactive game show, LIVE music and fun for all ages. You can't celebrate Chanukah alone...The community will unite together at the Lubavitch Center, 395 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange.

The Chanukah Extravaganza will feature Hot Latkes, marshmallows, real Chanukah Gelt (chocolate coins), a lively game of dreidle and an opportunity to light the Menorah. Judah the Maccabbee will be on hand to tell a story that even adults will enjoy. Chanukah "Unplugged" led by Larry Miller, Gary Lillianthal and Chana Chosak. "It's going to be a blast… something you don't want to miss!" promises Lead guitarist Larry Miller.

Sunday December 5^th 4:30 pm - Doing some last-minute shopping? Come out to the Livingston Mall for an afternoon of Holiday Cheer as Livingston Mayor Arlene Johnson joins Chabad for the Community-wide Menorah lighting. There will be face painting, activities, live music, candy and more.

"Chanukah is a time for celebrating the freedom of the Jewish people together with our friends and neighbors," said Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz, Director of the Lubavitch Center of Essex County. "We look forward to greeting everyone at these special family fun events which signify unity & joy."

Throughout the Holiday, volunteers from Smile On Seniors (SOS) will be visiting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, the JCC Senior Center and area hospitals to bring the joy of Chanukah to those who are unable to get out. Volunteers are encouraged to join in the rewarding activity of personally visiting a lonely senior. It's extremely rewarding to join the Smile on Seniors Volunteers Corps. We are challenged with a shortage of volunteers to visit with these charming and endearing seniors.

For information on how to become a SOS Volunteer, please call 973-486-2362 or e-mail rabbimkas@gmail.com.