Rabbi Kopel Silberberg with the Chabad Jewish Center. {courtesy}
By Kevin Deutsch
Chabad Jewish Center of Tamarac is holding two major Chanukah events for locals to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.”
The focus of this year’s celebrations, Rabbi Kopel Silberberg said, is to add light during a difficult time.
“The Jewish people are going through a hard time with what’s going on in Israel and antisemitism around the world,” said Silberberg. “Some people may think it’s a time to tamp down on the visible parts of Judaism. While being cautious, now is the time to add to our Jewish pride, not to back down.”
“There are so many people going through pain in Israel; there are so many hostages who are still not home,” the rabbi added. “If there’s any time to add a light, it is now. With our brothers and sisters in Israel in our hearts, uniting with light.”
Unite With Israel Chanukah Festival
Along with The Rohr Bais Chaya Academy, the center will present the Unite With Israel Chanukah Festival, featuring Guinness World Records’ world’s largest dreidel, on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the center at 8100 N. University Dr. in Tamarac.
In addition to the dreidel presentation, the event will include a menorah lighting, magic performed by Davit Ro, a Home Depot Chanukah Craft event, music, latkes, doughnuts, and chocolate gelt.
The event is free, and sponsorships are available. Attendees should RSVP at www.Jewishtamarac.com/Dreidel.
Grand Menorah Lighting and Celebration at the Park
The following two Chabad events are held on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 4:30 p.m. at the Tamarac Recreation Center, 7501 N. University Dr. This features the carving and lighting of a giant ice menorah, a fire truck gelt drop, hot latkes, fresh doughnuts, holiday music, and kids’ crafts.
The first 50 people to RSVP at Jewishtamarac.com/Chanukah will receive a Chanukah souvenir. The event is free, and walk-ins are welcome. No affiliation is necessary, and sponsorship is available.
Security will be present for both events.
According to Chabad, Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime festival of lights, celebrated with nightly menorah prayers and fried foods.
The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt and the resulting Jewish victory.
Silberberg said the unveiling of the world’s largest dreidel and the carving of a giant ice menorah, will bring unique touches to this year’s Chanukah events.
“It’s a really beautiful celebration we do every year, and we invite the community,” Silberberg said of the Dec. 10 event.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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