Chabad centers from all around Central Florida joined together to promote Jewish pride and unity in the biggest stadium in Orlando, making this the largest Jewish unity event and menorah lighting ceremony in the region.
Over 17,000 people witnessed a festive and music infused Halftime Menorah Lighting ceremony on center court as Chabad representatives lit the Menorah. Following the lighting Dreidel Break-dancers performed while participants cheered them on from around the arena.
“Orlando is a town that wasn’t always known for its friendliness to Jews, and to see a Menorah burning bright on center court is the greatest display of solidarity and community that I can imagine,” said Rabbi Levik Dubov of Chabad Downtown Orlando. Rabbi Levik initiated this project in Orlando 8 years ago.
C-Teen took the floor as “they battled” out a pre-game basketball shootout followed by the National Anthem performed by Cantor Aryeh Hurwitz. The Chabad communities celebrated together in their private designated suite with luxury balcony seats and catered kosher meals.
A giant 15 ft Menorah was displayed outside the Amway Center, Jewish songs were played throughout the game bringing positive inspiration to everyone and a boost of Jewish pride.
“This Chanukah Night was our best ever! Throughout the arena we saw fans reaching out, rooting for us and thanking us for putting together this impactful event. Some didn’t know it was Chanukah Night, but when they saw the Menorah go up at halftime they couldn’t miss it,” said Rabbi Dovid Dubov, Director of Chanukah Night.
“Heading down to the court for the halftime Menorah lighting I realized we didn’t have all our lighting representatives with us, there was someone missing. I couldn’t overthink it because we were on the clock, so we had to continue without him. As we carried the stage onto the court with the big Menorah, a distinguished gentleman sitting courtside sees us and cheers us on! I glance at him and without a second of thinking I ask him ‘are you Jewish’? ‘Yes!’, He replied. I invited him to the court, and he honored us by lighting the first candle of the Menorah. That is the power of Chanukah Night!” Rabbi Dovid concluded.
Chabad of Greater Orlando plans to continue doing programs of this magnitude with hopes of making Chabad a household name throughout Central Florida.
