That's what's being planned for this month in West Nyack.
Chabad of Rockland in New City and Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center of Chestnut Ridge have joined forces for the past two years to build a menorah at the Palisades Center mall made from Legos donated by the Lego Store at the mall.
Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg of Chabad of Rockland thought this year the congregants would build a menorah that would benefit Rockland's needy.
Menorah Made of Kosher Food Cans to be built in West Nyack
New City, NY — Menorahs come in many shapes and sizes. But a 7-foot menorah, constructed from donated kosher food cans?
That’s what’s being planned for this month in West Nyack.
Chabad of Rockland in New City and Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center of Chestnut Ridge have joined forces for the past two years to build a menorah at the Palisades Center mall made from Legos donated by the Lego Store at the mall.
Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg of Chabad of Rockland thought this year the congregants would build a menorah that would benefit Rockland’s needy.
“Building the menorah is a great way to educate children about what I am going to give to someone who is needy and who doesn’t have what I have,” Goldberg said.
He estimates that the menorah, which will be built Dec. 19, will be made from 200 to 300 cans that have been donated by the Rockland Kosher Supermarket in Monsey. The food will be donated to the Jewish Family Service, People to People and Tomchei Shabbos in Monsey.
A Hanukkah menorah, which contains nine candles – eight regular candles and a special candle to light the others – is used during the eight nights of the Jewish Festival of Lights. According to Jewish tradition, it recalls the miracle of a single day’s worth of consecrated oil that lasted long enough for temple officials to replace oil that had been spoiled when the Mount Zion temple was desecrated by Greek soldiers in 164 B.C.
In the past years, Chabad’s menorah has remained at the Palisades Center for the public to view. This year, the menorah will be built and disassembled on the same day. The agencies that will benefit from the donations will collect the cans after the menorah is taken down.
“Building the menorah is a beautiful idea to attract people to participate in a fun holiday event,” Goldberg said.
There will be practice sessions for building the “can menorah” this week at Chabad of Rockland at 315 N. Main St. in New City. Volunteers are welcome to join the practice sessions.
Chabad is encouraging children to join in the building of the menorah on Dec. 19. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the mall in front of Lord & Taylor. Admission is one kosher food can per child. The event will also feature Hanukkah arts and crafts and a magic show performed by Phillip Klipper.
