Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Now that the Christmas tree is lit, Pacific Palisades is turning its attention to the next celebration: Hanukkah.
On Sunday, Dec. 2—the first night of Hanukkah this year—Chabad of Pacific Palisades will celebrate its 30th annual Palisades menorah lighting ceremony at Palisades Village.
This year, Chabad is highlighting the concept of unity throughout the community.
“With the incredible opportunity presented by these coinciding celebrations, Chabad and the Caruso team have expressed their wishes to bring the entire community together for a night of unity and solidarity,” Chabad stated in a press release, “and to pay tribute to the lives lost in the tragic Pittsburgh and Thousand Oaks attacks—as well as all of our neighbors that have suffered from the devastating wildfires.
Festivities, which begin at 4 p.m., will include face painting, balloon twisting, Hanukkah-themed crafts and kosher food. There will also be live performances.
The ceremony portion of the evening will include remarks by Rabbi Zushe Cunin, Rick Caruso, Co-Honorary Mayors of the Palisades Billy and Janice Crystal, and Councilmember Mike Bonin, and begins at 6 p.m.
“Immediately preceding the menorah lighting ceremony, there will be a unity lighting, with community representatives from several of the local houses of worship, as well as law enforcement and fire department agencies,” Chabad explained.
As the Post went to print, confirmed representatives included Rabbi Amy Bernstein and Cantor Chayim Frankel of KI, Rabbi Elissa Ben-Naim of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Rev. Bruce Freeman of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, and Brother Satyananda of the Self Realization Fellowship.
The event is free to attend and open to the entire community.
For more information, visit chabadpalisades.com or palisadesvillageca.com.
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