In the Snow or the Sun, Chabad’s Chanukah Celebrations Share Light and Joy

As frigid temperatures and snowstorms pummel much of the United States, Jewish communities will share the warmth of Chanukah at Chabad’s public menorah lightings.

In Chagrin Falls, Ohio, it will be 15 degrees Fahrenheit and snowing as the first light is kindled at Chabad’s menorah-lighting at the Falls. “The good news is that it never rains at our menorah lighting,” quipped Rabbi Shneur Itzinger. Hot chicken soup and hand-warmers will be distributed to hardy Midwesterners who will brave the weather to share in the public celebration of the Holiday of Lights.

The Chagrin Falls menorah is one of an estimated 15,000 giant menorahs that will be placed by Chabad-Lubavitch centers worldwide, everywhere from Bonaire to Bahrain, and from Kenya to Kentucky. Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s call to share the story and observances of Chanukah with every Jew, many thousands of menorah kits and Chanukah candles will be distributed by Chabad reps. 

In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, it was -19 degrees Celsius — with blizzard winds making it feel much chillier than that. But that didn’t stop a crew of volunteers, who helped Rabbi Raphael Kats place a twenty-foot menorah — and its two-and-a-half-ton base — near the shores of the Saskatchewan River in the center of town.

In Fairbanks, Alaska, on December 21 — the Winter Solstice — there will be less than four hours of daylight. For Chabad Rabbi Heshy and Chani Wolf, however, that just means there’s more night to illuminate. They’ve invited the city’s Jewish community to join them in lighting the darkest day of the year. Of course, the menorah will be made of ice.

Warmer, brighter climes will welcome the light of Chanukah. On the island of Tenerife, which sees more than seven million tourists each year, the giant menorah will be silhouetted against palm trees, sandy beaches, and the sun setting over the ocean. 

At Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, hundreds will join Chabad for Chanukah by the Sea, enjoying children’s activities, live entertainment, and Chanukah treats (last year, Chabad of Bondi distributed 2,500 donuts over the course of the holiday). In Singer Island, Florida, hundreds of locals, tourists and snowbirds will gather on the soft sand for Chabad’s Chanukah on the Beach.

Chanukah begins this year on Sunday evening, Dec. 14, and concludes Monday evening, Dec. 22.

To find a Chanukah celebration near you, visit Lubavitch.com/centers.