Chanukah Celebration 'Shines Away' Hate, Anti–Semitism in Port

UPDATED with corrected Town Hall menorah lighting ceremony date:

A 13-foot Menorah will be lit in Port Washington to “Shine Away The Hate” in the community after a swastika was discovered on a bathroom wall at Schreiber High School last month.

The lighting of the menorah will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25 at the Port Washington LIRR. “Just like the Maccabees, Chanukah reminds us that life's darkest moments and greatest challenges can be brightened up with steadfast faith and determination,” Chabad of Port Washington said in a statement. The entire community is welcome to join the celebration.

The event will bring lively music, hot latkes, jelly donuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels and hot coffee courtesy of Starbucks. Event-themed scarves will be gifted to the first 200 participants.

• Related: Schreiber Student Spreads Positive Message After Swastika News

The lighting will be scheduled earlier than usual this year so even young children can participate in the hour-long event.

“The Menorah’s warm and loving lights send a message of unity and love, embracing our entire community as one, with all of its wonderful diversity,” according to Chabad.

This is also the first year an 8-foot menorah will be erected and lit on the lawn of Town Hall on Plandome Road. The lighting ceremony at Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. The event will feature latkes, donuts and Starbucks coffee.

Additional Chanukah Celebrations:

Chanukah Wonderland, a special event for this year, will be held Sunday, Dec. 25, from 11:45 a.m. 1:15 p.m. at Chabad, located at 80 Shore Road. This holiday wonderland is geared towards children ages 1-12 years old, and will feature: Chanukah themed Drum Circle show, Story of Chanukah film, booths, crafts, Giant Lego Menorah building, Chanukah mascots, face painting, and Chanukah gifts.

Admission for children is $5 in advance (at www.chabadpw.org/chanukah) and $10 at the door. (Admission is free for adults ages 15 & up). Drum Circle show times: 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Where to find Menorah displays in the area that bring Chanukah cheer and warmth to the community: Manorhaven Village Hall, Main Street/Shore Road intersection, Port Washington Blvd/Northern Blvd intersection and on the front lawn of Chabad on Shore Road. Also look for our Menorahs in Stop 'N Shop, North Shore Farms and King Kullen Manhasset.

For more information on all of these events, visit www.chabadpw.org/chanukah, email chanukah@chabadpw.org or call Chabad at 516-767-8672 (TORAH).

Images via Chabad:

1. Port Washington’s Giant 13’ Menorah fully lit
2. Elected officials at Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 2011
3. Leggo Menorah building at Chanukah Wonderland event at Chabad in 2011