Mayor of LA to attend Chanuka at CityWalk

Thousands of people are expected to attend Chabad of the Valley’s “Chanukah at Universal CityWalk Hollywood” on Wednesday, December 1; from 5-9 pm. Organizers of the event say that it will be the largest Chanukah celebration of its kind in Southern California.

Highlighting the on-stage program will be International Jewish Music Superstar, Lipa Schmeltzer, along with Pardes Jewish Rock and Lenny Solomon in concert. Other performers will include musicians, vocalists, and children’s entertainment. Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, and other dignitaries will be on hand to kindle the giant 18ft. Menorah. A special feature entitled “Let There Be Light” will open the Menorah kindling ceremony, celebrating modern-day miracles including the rescue of the Chilean Miners and the “Miracle on the Hudson”.

According to Chabad’s Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon, this celebration captures the essence of what the festival of Chanukah is all about. “Chanukah represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. Judaism enjoins us to share this positive and enlightening message with the world at large and what better venue to do that at than the famed Universal CityWalk.”

Chabad’s Rabbi Mordechai Einbinder adds that this year’s festival takes on a heightened sense of significance bearing in mind the perilous state of world affairs at this time. “When evil continues to manifest itself in the most barbaric and horrifying acts ever imaginable, it is incumbent upon all human beings to stand up and decry the terror loud and clear. The world must hear our voice united as one as we champion the cause of freedom and goodness.”

There is no charge to attend the event or to participate in any of the activities. (There is a nominal parking fee.) For more information go to www.chabadofthevalley.org or call Chabad of the Valley at 818-758-1818.