Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties will celebrate Hanukkah with nine days of menorah-lighting ceremonies and celebrations, free events that will kick off on Nov. 28.
“It’s an eight-night holiday; we add in one night to show the impact we can have (on) increasing positivity (and) increasing light in our community,” said Rabbi Laizer Mangel, who is assisted by fellow rabbis in running programming for Chabad Lubavitch in Cherry Hill.
“If you go into a room and you bring in one (little) flame, the effect (and) the impact (that) that one (little) flame has on the room is incredible,” he added.
Lighting of an 18-foot menorah will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28, at Barclay Farms Shopping Center in Cherry Hill. There will be donuts, latkes, music, giveaways and entertainment for families. Reservations are recommended.
“This event in the past (many) years has been the highlight of our Hanukkah activities,” said Mangel. “It is a giant menorah, seen from afar, and it’s open to the entire community.”
Haddonfield’s menorah lighting will take place on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Library Point in front of the township’s library. Guests can snack on latkes and donuts and listen to music. Town representatives will also take part.
“Every year, someone from Haddonfield, whether it be the mayor or deputy mayor, comes out, and we hope to see them (this) year as well,” Mangel said. Last year’s event was virtual due to COVID.
The first annual Medford Hanukkah Village Walk will be on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m., at Medford Village Park. Residents can check out multiple vendors along Main Street such as Wonder World, the Medford Arts Center and the Medford Community Center. Entertainment will include crafts and activities and a photo booth. Latkes and donuts will also be served.
“The (last) stop along the map will be a menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Main Street and Allen avenues,” said Mangel. “That will conclude (the) event.”
That lighting will be led by Rabbi Yitzchok Kahan of Chabad in Medford and his wife Bailey. Moorestown residents can gather at the Community House on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. for the Moorestown menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration.
“We established this lighting over the past 10 years and joined with the Moorestown Jewish Association,” Mangel explained. “We appreciate (whatever) they do in Moorestown to promote (the) Jewish faith and promote religious freedom in general.”
The Collingswood menorah lighting will be on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., and will feature music, refreshments and free giveaways.
“To have a menorah in Collingswood, New Jersey is incredible, and the community (all) comes out and celebrates,” Mangel noted.
The Chabad car menorah parade will be held on Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in Cherry Hill. Reservations are required.
“We encourage people to come at 3:15 p.m. to strap menorahs on the roof of their cars,” Mangel said.
The car parade will be followed by a grand menorah lighting celebration at 5 p.m. at Chabad Lubavitch. At 4:30 p.m. will be the menorah lighting that encompasses Bordentown, Florence, Burlington City and Burlington Township at Silver Dental Associates.
Mangel looks forward to seeing communities gather for the holidays.
“We hope that the holiday inspires everyone to remember to keep the message of unity and (to) respect everyone for who they are and respect everyone for their opinions and only see the positive,” he said.
For more information, visit www.thechabadcenter.org.
