Giant Jelly Bean Menorah at Chanukah in Candyland

The third night of Chanukah offered something sweet in Bethesda, MD.

A giant menorah filled with jelly beans took center stage in a celebration hosted by the Chabad-Lubavitch of Bethesda-Chevy Chase at Bethesda Row on Thursday.

The Chabad center’s annual event was themed “Chanukah in Candyland” this year, and attendees were treated to handouts of cotton candy and other sweets. Always featuring an elaborate menorah, past events sponsored by the Chabad center have featured menorahs made of ice and Legos, and last year, a glowing menorah was accented by a laser light show.

Cecily Baskir of Chevy Chase brought her 2-year-old son Elio to the celebration because she feels he is finally old enough to understand the tradition.

“It’s the first time my son will understand Chanukah at all,” Baskir said as her son was given his own menorah to take home. “We thought he’d have a good time.”

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Sholom Stiefel traveled from the Chabad-Lubavitch Yeshiva in Baltimore to be a part of the celebration in Bethesda. He feels fun elements like the candy are a way to attract people to the public event that celebrates the holiday.

“It is a way for everyone to show pride in their Jewishness when they have this Jewish event out in the street,” he says.