ST. GEORGE — Chabad Jewish Center will ignite a public 12-foot Hanukkah menorah erected at Town Square Park, followed by a community-wide celebration on Sunday, November 28, at 5 p.m., the 1st night of the eight-day holiday. The ceremony, organized by Chabad Rabbi Mendy, Cohen will feature St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Washington City Mayor Kenneth Neilson, Santa Clara Mayor Rick Rosenberg, Ivins Mayor Chris Hart, Senator Don Ipson, Senator Evan Vickers, Rep. Lowry Snow, Rep. Walt Brooks, Rep. Travis Seegmiller. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds will dance, and sing the night away with live music from a renowned Jewish Music Performer. For the first time ever, there will be a “Firetruck Hanukkah Candy Gelt Drop” which is sure to be delicious and exciting for all! Fun activities for the whole family. Scrumptious hot latkes and donuts will be served. The first 100 guests will receive a Hanukkah Souvenir.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of St. George’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d 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 Cohen.
“I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans” said Amy of Washington, 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. I wish they had this where I grew up.”
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,” added Rabbi Cohen. “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. St. George’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 Utah, Chabad will be presenting dozens of Hanukkah events and celebrations, including public Menorah Lightings, Menorah Parades, Latke Parties, Women’s Hanukkah Party, Kids Menorah Workshop, Hanukkah Exhibit and more. To find a local event in Utah, or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit the international Hanukkah event directory at www.JewishSU.com/HanukkahEvents.
For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit JewishSU.com/Hanukkah.