If you’re driving down Rivonia Road until Friday, 18 December you’ll see a rather unusual sight – a giant menorah (candelabra) in the parking lot of the Village Walk. It’s to celebrate the Jewish festival of Chanukah, the eight day festival of light which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness.

Chabad invites all including parents and children to join them each evening starting at 8.30pm this Saturday night and thereafter at 6.30pm each evening when the menorah is lit by different chazzonim and rabbis will be present . There’ll also be food on sale and different entertainment each evening.

According to Rabbi David Masinter, director of Chabad, “The concept of pirsumei nissa, ‘the publicising of the miracle’ is part and parcel of Chanukah when the one day supply of oil burned for eight days in the Temple. It’s the perfect time to come together to celebrate the defeat of darkness through light. Each person is able to do this in their own lives where one person can push away a lot of darkness through spreading a little light. It’s particularly meaningful that in South Africa we live in a country with a tradition of religious freedom and tolerance and that we can celebrate this miraculous festival publicly with pride.”

You’ll also be able to check out Chabad’s phenomenal new concept store which has recently opened in the Village Walk. You’ll be able to see the large range of books and gifts. You’ll also be able to buy your own menorahs there.

Chabad also invites seniors to its annual Hannukah lunch coming up on Monday, 14 December 2009.

For more information call Chabad House on 011 440-6600.