“I never felt so proud to be a Jew,” gushed Debby M. at Chabad of Markham’s unique Chanukah Festival of Lights. This sentiment was echoed by hundreds of others who attended one of the most original outdoor Chanukah programs on the fourth night of Chanukah December 10, 2023.
The Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti, attended the event, and offered Chanukah greetings. He assured the community that in the face of rising antisemitism around the world, that Markham will always be a place where Jews can walk tall and proud of their identity.
The event brought the Chanukah story to life, with historical pathways adorned with charming Chanukah images and festival lights.
Strolling Maccabees and dreidels engaged the crowd in a unique setting featuring Light studded figurines and illuminated Chanuka art that told the story of Chanukah and were arranged along the terrace in front of the majestic Chabad Centre.
Doughnuts, soup station, light dinner, smores BBQ, a beer garden and chocolate Chanukah gelt were enjoyed by kids and adults alike!
Menorahs were distributed to guests and encouraged to light up their homes or become Ambassadors and share with a friend.
The program culminated with the annual Menorah lighting ceremony which evoked great emotion especially when Rabbi Avrohom Plotkin, Executive Director of Chabad Markham, encouraged the crowd to wave their lit cellphones in solidarity with the hostages.
Thank you to Rabbi and Esther Gitlin, Co-Shluchim at Chabad Markham, for spearheading this hugely successful event and to all the incredible volunteers for their dedication!
