Two 6-foot menorahs to light up Mercer Island, celebrating Chanukah

Chabad Mercer Island will ignite one of two public 6-foot menorahs at New Seasons Market, followed by a community-wide celebration on the third night of Chanukah, which falls out on Dec. 26.

Following the menorah lighting ceremony, attendees will sing and eat the night away with yum Chanukah treats and special fun activities for the children, plus an opportunity to get your picture with the Dreidel Man. Additionally, on the first night of Chanukah, Dec. 24, there will be a lighting ceremony at the North end QFC, where the other menorah will be stationed, to kick off the holiday.

The public menorah lighting was organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld, Director of Chabad Mercer Island.

“The Menorah serves as a symbol of Mercer Island’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride,” he said. “Specifically 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, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”

I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confident as an American. Chabad Lubavitch’s Chanukah Menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education. I wish they had this when I grew up,” said Judy Cohen of Mercer Island, who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting.

This year brings added significance as American Jewry marks 75 years since the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, came to America and laid the groundwork for the worldwide Hanukkah campaign that he set into motion in 1973.

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. Mercer Island’s menorahs are part of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 90 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 Washington, Chabad will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, giant menorahs made out of ice and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel Houses,“Chanukah Wonderlands” and more.

To find a local event in Washington state or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit www.ChabadMercerIsland.org/ChanukahEvents. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit ChabadMercerIsland.org/Chanukah.