First Public Menorah Lighting in Glencoe

Glencoe, Illinois — Chabad of Glencoe will ignite a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah erected in Downtown Glencoe, followed by a community-wide celebration on December 23rd, the 2nd night of the eight-day holiday. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds will dance, sing and enjoy the hot latkes, gelt, the dreidel man, a Hanukkah photo booth, music and much more!

“The menorah serves as a symbol of Glencoe's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” said Rabbi Wolberg.

"Many parents have expressed their desire for their children to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans” said Rabbi Wolberg.

The Menorah lighting is part of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign, an initiative launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle.

“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Wolberg. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

Today, the unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival. Glencoe's menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message

Throughout the State of Illinois, Chabad will be presenting tens of Hanukkah events and celebrations, including: public Menorah Lightings, Menorah Parades, Latke Parties, Giant Dreidel Houses,“Chanukah Wonderlands” and more.

For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit Jewishglencoe.com or call 224-580-1744