Chabad House of Caulfield’s annual Chanukah celebration, Australia’s biggest Jewish event, saw an estimated 10,000 people flock to Caulfield Racecourse this year.
Chanukah Miracle Kingdom, or as it has been previously been known as Chanukah in the Park, was truly miraculous. A smorgasbord of world class rides, circus, crafts, and scouts’ challenges entertained the crowd of children, teens and adults for hours. Lines of thousands of people began to form twenty minutes before the opening time.
As people streamed through the gates, they scattered in all directions, some towards the Ferris Wheel or giant slide, others toward the Gymbus or high swing, or toward the other rides, challenges and outdoor food vendors. Most streamed towards the Marquee. As they entered, their eyes blinked as they beheld flashing lights, Chanukah decorations and an array of rides, activities and crafts. Mini roller coaster, Spinning Cups and Snowland were some of the popular choices.
Meanwhile, guests delighted in a Chanukah-themed circus show, enjoying the stunt bikes, tight rope and more. The audience also delighted in a play by Yeshivah Gedolah bochurim and words of inspiration about Hakhel, Chanukah and the #lightforpeace campaign. Ten local restaurants provided a selection of Melbourne’s kosher culinary delights.
Rabbi Yossel Gutnick addressed the gathering, as did Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Groner and several politicians Including Opposition Leader Matthew Guy MP, Federal MP Michael Danby, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Inga Peulich MP and state MP David Southwick.
Rabbi Yehudah Hoch went up in a cherry picker to light the giant Menorah.
Thousands of Yidden put on Tefillin, received Menorahs, bought a letter in the Children’s Sefer Torah and more. Dreidel mascots paraded around bringing smiles to faces throughout.
Go Dovid Leib shmerling
Thank you to the organizers for your tremendous efforts!
Thank you Mendel Haller, Dovid Leib Shmerling, Moshe Kahn and Motty Liberow and Melbourne shluchim; a real force.
Massive kudos to Rabbis Mendel Haller, Moshe Kahn, Motti Librow and the rest of the Shluchim team that did everything possible and more to make this event happen the way it did!
Yasher Koach Reb Yossel for your continuous leadership in Mdlbourne and for your tireless efforts to make the biggest Chanukah event in Australia a reality every year despite the security situation this year. Mechayil El Choyil!