Chabad Center for Jewish Life safely celebrates Hanukkah

Families in Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh enjoyed a safe celebration to mark the first night of Hanukkah. On Dec. 10, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted its 15th annual Hanukkah Experience, which was planned with careful attention to social distancing guidelines.

As mask-wearing congregants anxiously awaited the lighting of the 12-foot menorah at the Merrick Gazebo, volunteers handed out pre-packaged jelly donuts and Hanukkah flags that guests could attach to their vehicles to participate in the Great Menorah Car Parade. In between greetings from local dignitaries, Hanukkah music played.

Families watched from inside their cars or socially distanced outside as the grand menorah was lit. Once the lights shone over the scene, a group of dancing rabbis took over the town square. Dozens of cars then followed the parade procession, which culminated at the Chabad

To watch the full experience on YouTube, visit chabadjewishlife.org/chanukahlive.

Compiled by Alyssa Seidman.