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Chabad of the Valley Chanukah celebration attended by thousands at Universal Studios Citywalk – Southern California!

Thousands were on hand at Universal Studios Citywalk to witness Southern California’s largest Menorah lighting on Tuesday night the 3rd night of Chanuka! The 4 hour celebration and concert produced by Chabad of the Valley and its many centers took place on Citywalk’s main stage and was projected on its gigantic Astrovision screen. Featuring the exciting and energetic music of the “8th Day” and highlighted by a rousing concert from world renowned Chassidic superstar Avraham Fried, the enormous crowd was treated to an amazing evening of high-energy entertainment.

Jews from all walks of life were mesmerized by the many Chanuka video segments which were projected, including amazing footage of menorah lightings from around the world. But as the crystal clear images and sounds of the Rebbe singing Tzomoh Lecho Nafshi appeared on the screen, tears of joy and inspiration could be seen on many a face.

A beautiful picture gallery including 40 pictures by Ari Greene in the Extended Article!

“To see a busy thoroughfare like Citywalk which usually features the latest trends and popular music videos, being transformed into a Chanuka wonderland truly embodies the message of the miracle of Chanuka and the victory of light over darkness”, exclaimed one of the thousands of onlookers as the giant 16 ft. menorah was kindled by Boston Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler, Hollywood stars Daryl and Evan Sabarra and renowned philanthropist and Chabad supporter Gary Finder.

After receiving a ceremonial flag from U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, Rabbi Joshua Gordon executive director of Chabad of the Valley and Rabbi Mordechai Einbinder the associate director, praised the work of their colleagues who helped organize the event. “The amazing team effort put together by Rabbi Yossi Baitelman of Chabad of Studio City, Rabbis Aron and Nachman Abend of Chabad of North Hollywood, Rabbi Mendel Lipskier of Chabad of Sherman Oaks, Rabbi Yossi Malka of Chabad of Encino, Rabbis Mayer Greene, Yochonon Baitelman and Yanky Kahn of Chabad of Tarzana and Rabbi Yossi Spritzer of Chabad of Chatsworth helped create an enormous Kiddush Hashem and brought the concept of spreading the light of Chanukah to whole new level.”

8th Day in concert
Rabbi Yossi Malka and Gary Finder
Rabbi Mordechai Einbinder – Associate Director of Chabad of the Valley
US Congressman Brad Sherman
Chabad of the Valley Shluchim – event organizers
Boston Red Sox Outfielder Gabe Kapler
LA Fire Dept
LA County Sheriff Dept. and Hatzolo of Los Angeles
LAPD Police Commissioner Aaron Skobin
MC Rabbi Mayer Greene and US Army Sgt. Nick Armon
Benny Friedman

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