Photo by Frank Couch.
The first Grand Menorah Lighting was held at The Summit in 2015. This year’s ceremony starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 26.
This Hanukkah, the Chabad of Alabama will be putting on two of their annual events: the Great Wall of Chinakah Chinese dinner on Dec. 25, and the Grand Menorah Lighting on Dec. 26.
“On Dec. 25, there is really not much open, except for Chinese restaurants. So it’s become a tradition of sorts that Jews eat Chinese food on Dec. 25,” said Mushka Posner of the Chabad of Alabama about the Great Wall of Chinakah Dinner.
This year, much like the past 15 years or so, the dinner will feature Chinese kosher meals for attendees.
Kosher meals follow the strict Jewish law that dictates how certain foods are prepared and which foods are permitted for consumption. According to chabad.org, “Since even a small trace of non-kosher substance can render a food not kosher, all processed foods and eating establishments require certification by a reliable rabbi or a kashrut supervision agency.”
Because Hanukkah also falls on Dec. 25, members of the Chabad of Alabama will also be lighting the menorah during the event, said Posner, and all are invited for the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. Past meals available have been Mongolian beef, sweet and sour chicken, wonton soup, fried rice and pot stickers.
The following night on Dec. 26 at 5 p.m., the Chabad of Alabama will also be hosting the Grand Menorah Lighting with the Levite Jewish Community Center by the Saks Plaza at The Summit.
“Public menorah lightings are done throughout the world to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah and the message of freedom, and the power of good over evil and light over darkness,” Posner said. By working with the LJCC, both groups were able to create an event to recognize Hanukkah in Birmingham.
“We live in a culture that is overwhelming at this time of year,” said Rabbi Yossi Friedman. “When we can do something that brings the whole community together, and in a place where all feel welcome, this brings us together in a very meaningful way.”
This year’s ceremony starts at 5:00 p.m. and will have a winter wonderland theme planned with attractions for all ages, including snow for the children, balloons and a dreidel mascot, but the main event will feature the lighting of the 12-foot menorah. Guests will be able to sing along to traditional Hanukkah songs, say the traditional blessings and snack on latkes, doughnuts and hot chocolate throughout the evening.
All members of the community are encouraged to come out and celebrate the Grand Menorah Lighting, regardless of religious affiliations. “The Grand Menorah Lighting brings together everyone from all different synagogues and affiliations, and even non-Jews who would like to learn more about the holiday,” said Posner. “It’s a beautiful event of unity and inclusion.”
To make reservations for the Great Wall of Chinakah dinner, go to chabadofalabama.com. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults through Dec. 20 and increase by $10 starting Dec. 21.
