CHANUKAH EVENTS ROUND UP
(Chanukah itself is not yet over! We continue to light and celebrate until the end of the week.)
Click here to read OC Register article on Menorah Lighting. And here for OC Register's slideshow of photos.
Chanukah Family Shabbat Dinner
Registration reached capacity at the Shabbat Chanukah dinner. Despite the heavy rain, attendance was full. Elegantly set tables were adorned with Chanukah décor, Shabbat candle-sticks, wine, and challah-rolls at each place, against the backdrop of the first menorah light. The delicious food catered by Rebbetzin Rochel included homemade tomato gefilte fish balls, tasty salads, chicken soup with soft fluffy matzah balls, tons of sizzling latkes, succulent chicken in duck-sauce with sweet potato pie and green-beans, topped off with a dessert of assorted cupcakes, teas, and fudge cookies.
While guests enjoyed dinner with traditional Shabbat song, fun and informative Chanukah Tidbit cards, L’chaim’s and mostly animated conversation, the rooms were abuzz. After dinner, the Chanukah Dreidle challenge was fun and stimulating for both adults and children. It was a warm and delightful ambience and family friendly, with great community spirit.
Many thanks to all those who participated in helping to make this event come together.
Community Chanukah Celebration and Public Menorah Lighting
Over one hundred people from RSM, Coto, and beyond, gathered to celebrate Chanukah, on the evening of Monday, December 14, at the fountain plaza at Mercado Del Lago in RSM, overlooking the RSM lake.
The event, which was put on by Chabad Jewish Center of RSM (www.jewishrsm.com) was the 2nd annual public Menorah lighting and community Chanukah celebration. Open to the public and to all ages, the evening included face painting; dreidel-cookie decorating (and noshing); Chanukah gelt—the chocolate kind, and the traditional crisp green ones so that children could both enjoy Chanukah, and learn about giving some of their income to charity. Although it was cold, the atmosphere was welcoming and warm, helped by the hot cocoa and delicious potato latkes.
Gracing the event was RSM city manager Steve Hayman, as well as councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem Tony Beall who brought warm words and greetings. Before lighting the 6 foot tall, candle-topped, brass menorah Rabbi Zalman Kantor, shared a Chanukah message, focusing on the cumulative effect and global impact that we can achieve when we each add even one act of goodness, kindness, and G‑dliness in our lives and the world around us. In addition to the candle-lit menorah, a bright, electric, energy-efficient Menorah shone down from the balcony above the Plaza.
“I have been waiting for this type of event for many years,” said RSM resident, Dr. Mark Cymerint, who also emceed the event. “And I look forward to many more.”
Upon lighting the menorah, the crowd broke into spontaneous song, which soon led into joyous dancing around the plaza, ending the program on real high.
For more information on the center, visit jewishrsm.com or call 949-264-6930.
Many thanks to all those who participated in helping to make this event come together.
CHANUKAH CELEBATIONS 5770-2009
Chanukah is an eight day minor but fun and important holiday on the Jewish calendar, celebrated first and foremost at home by lighting the candles each night. Check out our special holiday section here for enjoyment for the whole family and to help enrich your understanding. In additon, it is a wonderful time for community and family.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the bright and special holiday, at one of our events, below.
