Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford
OXFORD – Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford invites the community to celebrate the spirit of Chanukah at the 3rd Annual Chanukah Celebration at Quarry Walk on the Quarry Walk Green on Thursday, December 26, at 5:00 PM. The event will feature a grand menorah lighting, an exciting gelt drop coordinated with the Oxford Fire Department, live menorah ice carving, music, and giveaways for attendees of all ages.
The Oxford Chanukah Celebration will be an evening of joy and inspiration as the community comes together to mark the Festival of Lights. A highlight of the event, the gelt drop, will see chocolate coins rain down from an elevated fire truck ladder, delighting children and families. The ice carving of a menorah will bring a creative touch to the festivities, while traditional Chanukah treats such as latkes and donuts will be distributed to all present.
“Our Chanukah celebration is about bringing people together to share in the light and message of the holiday,” said Rabbi Shmaya Hecht of Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford. “With the gelt drop, ice carving, and menorah lighting, it’s a unique opportunity for the entire community to celebrate this holiday in a way that is both fun and meaningful.”
The Oxford event is one of several Chanukah celebrations arranged by Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford:
Seymour: Sunday, December 29, 5:00 PM, Broad Street Park – Featuring a menorah lighting, gelt drop, music, games and refreshments.
Beacon Falls: Monday, December 30, 5:00 PM, Beacon Falls Town Hall – A menorah lighting with music and traditional treats.
Each of these events reflects Chanukah’s timeless message of light triumphing over darkness and goodness over evil. Beginning this year on the evening of Wednesday, December 25, and concluding on the evening of Thursday, January 2, Chanukah commemorates the remarkable victory in Jerusalem of a small yet spiritually resilient Jewish people over the powerful Syrian-Greek empire, which had sought to suppress Jewish traditions and desecrate their sacred practices. After reclaiming the Holy Temple, the Jewish people discovered only a single jar of pure oil, enough to fuel the menorah for just one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days. To honor this miracle, Chanukah is observed over eight nights, with an additional candle on the menorah lit each evening.
The events are free and open to the public. RSVP is requested to properly accommodate. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.cjcoxford.org/celebratechanukah or contact the Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford at [email protected].
