Chabad of Jackson To Light Up One of 15,000 Public Menorahs Worldwide, Symbolizing Universal Message of Religious Freedom
JACKSON— Chabad of Jackson will ignite a public 9 foot Hanukkah menorah erected at The White Butterfly, followed by a community-wide celebration on Sunday December 2nd, the 1st night of the eight-day holiday. The ceremony, organized by Chabad of Jackson in partnership with The White Butterfly, will feature a menorah covered with scarves, mittens and socks. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, the winter gear will be donated to the needy. The event will include an entertaining fire show, arts and crafts for children and jelly doughnuts.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of Jackson’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. It also serves to benefit the needy in our own community.” Said Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek.
“This Menorah brings a message of light and unity in a divided world,” said Michelle Katz of The White Butterfly who is co-hosting the event. “Chabad’s Hanukkah menorahs are arguably one of the most important events of the year to unite different parts of our community. It is our honor and privilege to be a part of it.”
“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Naparstek. “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. Jackson’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
For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit chabadofjackson.com/Hanukkah.
EVENT RECAP:
What: Menorah of Warmth
Where: The White Butterfly, 200 N. County Line Road, Jackson, NJ 08527
When: Sunday December 2nd, 4:30pm
Cost: Free admission for the entire Jackson community! Bring winter gear donations along to the event!
ABOUT HANUKKAH
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Tuesday, December 12 and concludes the evening of Wednesday, December 20. It recalls the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom. They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabra known as a menorah. Today, people of all faiths consider the holiday a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness. Additional information about the Hanukkah holiday is available at www.chabadofjackson.com/Hanukkah.
ABOUT THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION
Chabad of Jackson offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek, Chabad of Jackson, at 732-523-5112 or rabbi@chabadofjackson.com or visit www.chabadofjackson.com.