Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosts annual Hanukkah celebration

Families in Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh are invited to join the Chabad Center for Jewish Life’s 2020 Hanukkah Experience in Merrick, planned with careful attention to social distancing guidelines.

The celebration begins with a grand menorah lighting for the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, Dec. 10th at 6 p.m. at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station. The festivities will include the lighting of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s 12-foot menorah, dignitary greetings, dancing Rabbis and pre-packaged jelly donuts.

Watch from inside your car in the parking lot, outside while following social distancing guidelines or via live stream. At 6:15 p.m., the 14th annual Great Menorah Car Parade will leave from the station, accompanied by a Merrick Fire Department Fire Truck, a Mustang Boss 302, and other participants. The parade will culminate at the Chabad Center parking lot on Benson Lane. Once there, all those who pre-registered can pick up their “Hanukkah in a box” gift to use throughout the eight nights.

Part two of the Hanukkah Experience takes place on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. with a virtual menorah lighting. Participants will be able to light their menorahs at home together at the same time, enjoy a presentation of songs from the Chabad’s preschoolers and Hebrew School students, a Hanukkah movie, special activities, games and much more. Supplies from the “Hanukkah in a box” gift can be used during this virtual program. Everyone is invited to join this event on Zoom at 619 379 5495.

Both events are free, but registration is requested at ChabadJewishLife.org/light or by calling (516) 833-3057. Suggested donation is $18 per family and sponsorships are available. Please RSVP by Dec. 6 to receive the “Hanukkah in a box” gift, which includes dreidels, a "create your own menorah" craft, candles and treats for the whole family. The boxes can be picked up at the end of the car parade.

For more information and details on the Chabad’s Hanukkah programs, contact Chanie  Kramer at (516) 833-3057, log on to www.ChabadJewishLife.org/light or email programs@chabadjewishlife.org.

Provided by Chabad Center for Jewish Life; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.