Community Chanukah Celebration and Public Menorah Lighting
Click here to read OC Register article.
And here for OC Register's slideshow of photos.
Despite the chill, the wet weather earlier in the day and continuing rain in the forecast, over one hundred people gathered to celebrate Chanukah, on the evening of Monday, December 22, at the plaza at Mercado Del Lago in RSM.
The event, which was put on by the new Chabad Jewish Center of RSM (www.jewishrsm.com), was the city’s first annual public Menorah lighting and community Chanukahcelebration. Open to the public and to all ages, the evening included face painting; dreidel-cookie decorating (and noshing); a special Chanukah-themed magic show by Richard of Fantasy in Magic that regaled young and old alike; and music by Gerry Schubert of Return to Eden fame, and great spirits. Although it was cold outside, the atmosphere was welcoming and warm on the inside, with hot cocoa and delicious potato latkes playing their part as well.
Gracing the event were councilmember and former mayor of RSM Tony Beall and city manager Steve Heyman, both of whom shared warm words and greetings. Rabbi Zalman Kantor, sharing a Chanukah message before lighting the 6 foot, candle-topped, brass menorah, spoke of the pure cruse of oil found by the Maccabees, which miraculously lit for eight days. Each and every person has deep within them this cruse of oil—the G‑dly spark, this unending capacity for goodness and kindness, morality and love. All we need to do is be aware of it, nurture it, and see it in other people as well, and then it will shine forth miraculously bringing light and blessing into our lives and the world around us.
“It was so nice to be able to celebrate locally with the community, and meet new and old friends. Lighting the menorah in unity brought such a very warm and special feeling inside.” says Joelle Quinn, long time resident of RSM. “I am already looking forward to next year.”
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.
And the weather? Another Chanukah miracle: clear skies could be seen almost throughout the entire celebration.
*******
Updated Monday, December 22, at 11:45 am:
We hope the rain will taper off by this evening. Either way, Chanukah festivities are on schedule to continue as planned. We hope to have a number of canopies up just in case, but please plan to bring umbrellas, boots, warm clothing and, above all, great spirits.
Happy Chanukah!
Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho S. Margarita—Inaugural Event
Community Chanukah Celebration - Public Menorah Lighting
Monday December 22 at 5:30—7 pm
Location: The Fountain Courtyard at Mercado Del Lago
We invite you to join your local family and come celebrate the joy of Chanukah at a special public Menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration, which will include music and dancing, face painting, a special Chanukah-themed magic show, dreidel-cookie decorating, latkes, raffle, good company and local dignitaries. For more information please email [email protected] .
Mercado Del Lago is the shopping center on corner of Antonio and Santa Margarita Parkway, located at:
