VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — As the holiday season begins and the first day of Hanukkah approaches, Chabad of Tidewater is hosting a Chanukah celebration for all in Virginia Beach.
The gathering at Mount Trashmore this Sunday will feature music, entertainment, treats and the lighting of a 30-foot tall Chanukah menorah, which the organization pointed out, comes in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas and a rise in antisemitism in the United States.
The menorah lighting has been a tradition for Chabad for more than four decades, the organization said in a news release.
In the release, Chabad said the Jewish communal response since October 7 "has bucked all precedents," with the community choosing to celebrate their identity.
“Our response to hatred must never be to cower or hide our faith; we must hold our heads high and live proudly as Jews,” said Rabbi Levi Brashevitzky of Chabad of Tidewater. “They want us to be afraid; but our victory will be to stand tall and proud, gathering in greater numbers than ever to celebrate our Judaism in Southeastern Virginia.”
The event is at 4:30 p.m., and is free for the public.
In addition to the public menorah lighting, Chabad is also hosting a Grand Menorah Car Parade on Colley Avenue in Norfolk on December 13. It's at 5:45 p.m., and will feature 30-40 cars. The first 30 cars to RSVP will have their car outfitted with a rooftop menorah, free of charge.
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, begins on Thursday, December 7 and ends Friday, December 15 this year.
