Chabad of Port Washington has been hosting the public menorah celebration in Port Washington for 28 years, but this year it will be celebrated by a record number of Jewish participants eager to stand together and face down growing anti-Semitism throughout the United States and the world, with a defiant dose of Jewish pride when the first night of Hanukkah commences on Sunday, Dec. 22.
The recent rise in hate speech and hate crimes nationwide, including deadly shootings in Jersey City, N.J., Pittsburgh, Penn., and Poway, Calif., has organizers preparing for their largest turnout ever to take a stand against hate in a show of Jewish pride and unity.
“Hanukkah is the celebration of light over darkness,” said Rabbi Shalom Paltiel who directs Chabad of Port Washington. “The darkness that we, as a nation, have been experiencing must be fought with light and goodness, and we are putting together our biggest program ever to show that we will not be intimidated by those who wish to scare us.”
The event will begin at 3 p.m., with a performance by Cantor Shloimie Rabin who will lead the crowd in G-d bless America and songs of peace and prayer honoring the victims in Jersey City.
Len Berman will serve as master of ceremonies and programs for children, including a Mega Gelt-Drop!, with gracious assistance from the Port Washington Fire Department, nearly 3,000 chocolate coins will “rain” down on the gathered crowd, a fire juggler, complimentary latkes, doughnuts, coffee, generously provided by Starbucks, and other giveaways. Event-themed scarves will be given to the first 200 participants.
The highlight — the lighting of the menorah — will follow with words of address by Congressman Tom Suozzi. He will also be given the honor of lighting the Shamash, the lighter candle. Dignitaries and community leaders will be on hand to greet the crowd.
Laurie Radler is from Port Washington, who is planning to attend the public celebration for the first time despite her initial discomfort with expressing her Jewish identity so publicly and openly.
