Chabad of Fairfield Sponsors Pre-Hannukah Menorah Decorating Workshop

TRUMBULL, CT - More than 100 children and their parents gathered at the Home Depot at 90 Monroe Turnpike in Trumbull on Sunday, December 14th, to decorate Chanukah Menorahs, make olive oil and munch on jelly-filled donuts. The free pre-Hannukah workshop was organized by Chabad of Fairfield and sponsored by the Home Depot.

"We wanted to do something cool and memorable that the kids would really enjoy," said Rabbi Shlame Landa, director of Chabad of Fairfield.  "Menorah-making is a fun and interactive way to teach children about their tradition. The Home Depot has been very creative with their work throughout the country and they went all out with today’s program.”

“It was really fun,” said Lea Hertzbach of Fairfield, who attended the workshop with her twin six-year-olds. “This was the highlight of their weekend. The boys just can’t wait to light their Menorahs on Hannukah.”

Chanukah and the importance of the menorah:

Also called a Chanukiah, the menorah is the nine-branched candelabra used to welcome each night of the eight-day holiday of Chanukah. This year, Chanukah began on Tuesday, December 16th, at sundown.

“It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” said Rabbi Landa. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place. Chanukah also propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness," he said.

Chabad of Fairfield will also observe the Hanukkah season with the lighting of a Menorah made entirely out of ice on Sunday, December 21st, at the Sherman Green on Post Road in Fairfield. The event is open to the entire community and all are invited to watch a sculptor carve the Ice Menorah starting at 3:30 pm. More information can be found on their website www.ChabadFF.com.