Markham Mayor Lights up Canada’s Largest Lego Menorah

Hundreds of people packed Chabad of Markham on Sunday December 11 @ 2:30 pm for a Chanukah party to remember. Young and old, parents and children were treated to a most memorable Chanukah program. In attendance was a close friend of the Chabad Community , Mayor Frank Scarpitti, the Deputy Mayor and other members of council.

First, a musical presentation by the Torah Tots Pre School electrified the crowd with their favourite Chanukah renditions. The children were joined by their dedicated teachers who coached the little stars and got everyone dancing in their seats. This was followed by a moving Menorah lighting ceremony. Rabbi Avraham E. Plotkin, director of Chabad of Markham, invited the mayor to light the Shammash candle of the Menorah. This year the Menorah was made out of Lego blocks and claims to be the largest one of its kind. The giant Menorah was built by Rabbi Yossi Berktin with a creative group of Chabad of Markham children. Rabbi Plotkin pointed out the irony, that the Olympic torch, which will arrive on it’s way to the games in Vancouver during Chanukah at the Markham Civic Centre is a celebration of the physical body, while the Chanukah Menorah is a celebration of the the spirit. The blessing on the candles was then made and the Rabbi lit the Menorah while the entire crowd joined in waving candles and singing the traditional Chanukah songs.

Greetings from MP Peter Kent were delivered on behalf of the honourable Prime Minister Steven Harper. In his message he re-affirmed Canada’s position of unequivocal support for Israel, which was received with a standing ovation. The visibly moved crowd were then treated to international children’s entertainer Chaim Fogelman who got the crowd dancing in the aisles for the rest of the afternoon.

“This was the best party ever!” exclaimed Ryanne Reingold, a Torah Tots parent. “Seeing our children dancing with such a love for their Judaism brought tears to my eyes”. Judy Pollock, a proud Torah Tots grandma exclaimed “The party was full of life, the spirit was absolutely outstanding. I love the fact that the children hosted it and it was so inclusive of all families when everyone held their candles and was a part of the Menorah ceremony.”