Lighting up Horse County with a New Chabad Center

Hundreds gathered in Ocala’s City Square on Sunday night to celebrate Chanukah in the heart of Florida’s Horse Country.

The crowd of 350 including community members and elected officials were part of the city’s annual Menorah lighting. The event began with Ice Skating in The City’s outdoor Ice Skating Rink in Downtown Ocala.

The crowd was addressed by the City’s Mayor Kent Guinn, County Commissioner David Moore, and newly elected City Councilman Matt Wardell. Also in attendance was The National Committee Liaison for the Florida Federation of Young Republicans, Paul Skinner.

The Menorah was lit by community members led by Chabad’s President David Shapiro. The officials rededicated their commitment to supporting the Jewish community especially in light of the recent terror attacks in San Bernandino, California.

Local Chabad Shliach, Rabbi Yossi Hecht presented the officials with Rabbi Eliezrie’s new book titled “The Secret of Chabad”. The celebrations continued on Monday night with a Chanukah Party in “The Villages”, the nation’s largest retirement community. The Menorah was lit by “Villager” Gene Laskowitz.

With over 100 people in attendance Rabbi Hecht announced Chabad’s plans to purchase a new property in the area. The new beautiful property is situated on five acres of land and centrally located for Ocala and The Villages.

The new center will be much larger than Chabad’s current home, with sufficient space to accommodate the ever growing needs for the local Jewish community. They hope to soon close on the property and to already be using the new location in time for the High Holidays.