Innovation Meets Tradition at Chabad of Orange County Chanukah Celebrations

A Latke Sizzle with a fryer on stilts, a helicopter gelt drop, and a Color Blast Chanukah Party weaved innovation with tradition this Chanukah at Chabad of Orange County, led by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston. “The traditions are rich in lessons and meanings, and each year we create programs for the community to experience the traditions in a new way, enhancing the holiday experience for all ages,” Chana Burston explained .

The Mega Latke Sizzle, the first of its kind in Orange County, had chefs of all ages cooking latkes together. A highlight was a special guest on stilts, who was introduced as the “Tallest Latke Sizzler!” Held at the new Chabad Center for Jewish life, families peeled, grated and sizzled delicious potato pancakes.

Students at Chabad Hebrew School were thrilled to make tie-dye donuts and play a competitive dreidel game with a colorful twist of using fruit loops at the Chanukah Color Blast event.

Another first for Orange County was a “Helicopter Gelt Drop” in which a helicopter flew over the cheering crowd of hundreds and dropped 5,000 chocolate coins for the crowd to collect and enjoy.

Chanukah activities also included festive public Menorah lightings throughout the County, Chanukah Tot Parties, a CTeen Chanukah concert, Charity Toy drives and home visits to individuals celebrating alone

“Hundreds of people enjoyed the innovative Chanukah programs,” says Chana Burston, “the response and turnouts were tremendously successful.”