City News
Paradise Valley to Shine Brightly with Chanukah Car Parade and Menorah Lighting
THE SPIRIT OF CHANUKAH WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS OF PARADISE VALLEY IN A SPECTACULAR FASHION THIS DECEMBER. Chabad of Paradise Valley, in collaboration with the local community, is organizing a Menorah Car Parade on Monday, Dec. 11. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event will kick off with a special Menorah Lighting ceremony by Town of Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner, which will be broadcasted to participants in their cars. This event, starting and ending at Paradise Valley Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Dr., will see cars adorned with menorahs and Chanukah-themed decorations parading through the town’s major thoroughfares like Lincoln Drive, Tatum, Invergordon, and Mockingbird. This celebration is not just about lighting the menorah but about spreading the joy and light of Chanukah.
Rabbi Shlomy Levertov of Chabad of Paradise Valley emphasized the significance of this year’s celebration, noting the community’s enthusiasm to come together to celebrate Chanukah with family and friends. The event, which began as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
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has evolved into a joyful and inclusive way to celebrate the holiday, especially for seniors and others who prefer to avoid crowds.
Participants are invited to decorate their vehicles with Hanukkah themes or use window flags provided by the organizers. A limited number of car-top menorahs will be available, and pre-packaged menorah kits and holiday treats will be distributed to all cars joining the parade. For safety and coordination, vehicle registration for the parade is required and can be done at jewishparadisevalley.com/parade. The Chanukah Car Parade is part of a global Hanukkah awareness campaign initiated by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in 1973. This campaign, led by Chabad-Lubavitch, aims to bring the message of Hanukkah - the triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression - to the forefront of public consciousness. This year, the campaign is expected to reach unprecedented heights, with Chabad’s efforts illuminating the lives of eight million Jews in over 100 countries.
The campaign will see the distribution of millions of menorahs and candles, and the erection of thousands of public menorahs worldwide. More than 6,500 Hanukkah menorah-topped cars are expected to participate in menorah parades globally, continuing to share the message of hope and joy that Hanukkah brings. For more information about the event or to participate in the parade, please contact Rabbi Shlomy Levertov at 480-788-9310 or visit jewishparadisevalley.com/ parade.
PARADISE VALLEY VIEW • December 2023 • 9
