Thousands of people from the Melbourne Jewish community of all ages, gathered on Sunday, December 18, the first night of Chanukah, at the centrally located Caulfield Park, to mark Melbourne’s annual Chanukah in the Park celebration, the first since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
For decades, the Chabad House of Caulfield has been organizing the event under the leadership of Rabbi Yossel Gutnick, which has seen the annual event become Australia’s largest Jewish event, with many thousands of people from all walks of life attending each year.
Revelers from the entire Jewish community and beyond convened on the park grounds in the afternoon of a sunny Melbourne day, to enjoy the exciting rides and to sit down with family and friends, while enjoying a wide range of offerings from the local Kosher restaurants. Yumi Rosenbaum and his band excited the crowd with lively Jewish music and Chanukah songs, together with world renowned singer Dov Farkas. The kids enjoyed a wonderful show by Alex the magician. Over 400 people put on Tefillin and over 300 Menorahs were given out. The CSG and police provided protection throughout the event.
Before dark, the community heard greetings conveyed from Rabbi Yossel Gutnick and from Rabbi Zalman Gutnick, which was followed by greetings from state politicians, David Southwick the deputy leader of the liberal party and member for Caulfield, and Josh Burns member for Macnamara.
A recurring theme of the speeches was the proud and unequivocal support and unity of the local Jewish community, and the joy in having Chanukah in the Park back. Strong statements were made about Yerushalayim being the eternal capital of Israel and prayers for true peace and security for the whole world.
The huge Menorah was then lit by Rabbi Yehuda Hoch, together with David Southwick MP and Josh burns MP.
Following a tradition of decades at Chanukah in the Park, the Menorah lighting was followed by a huge fireworks show and lively dancing. This year has added significance being a year of Hakhel and appropriate to have huge unity gatherings.
