The Jewish Discovery Center will light a public 12-foot Menorah erected at Deerfield Towne Center, followed by a community-wide celebration on the fourth night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 27, 5:30 pm. The ceremony will feature a Live Performance by Zak Morgan and an indoor Chanukah Wonderland! The Mason City Mayor, Deerfield Township President and numerous public dignitaries and community leaders will attend the ceremony.
Following the Menorah lighting ceremony, Zak Morgan will entertain the hundreds in attendance followed by dancing, singing and eating. Zak Morgan’s has produced a Grammy nominated CD and has been compared to Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, with over 2,500 concerts under his belt. Zak’s unique brand of music delivers songs and poems with charm that inspire and tickle the funny bones. His performance is filled with musical stories, laughter and warmth as he encourages children to learn through reading, imagination, and believing in themselves.
The indoor Chanukah Wonderland will feature Chanukah treats, prizes and crafts.
This festivities are free and open to all. The first 50 reservations will receive a free children’s book.
The public Menorah lighting is organized by the Jewish Discovery Center Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson, who remarked, “The Menorah serves as a symbol of Mason and Deerfield’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”
Laura Rossey of Mason, who is looking forward to attending the public Menorah lighting commented, “I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confident as an American. The Jewish Discovery Center’s Chanukah Menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education. My kids talk about it all year.”
The Deerfield Towne Center’s Menorah is one of thousands of large public Menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.
“We recognize the Deerfield Towne Center’s central role in our community,” said Rochel Kalmanson, education director of the JDC. “We have received extraordinary support from the wider community. What a wonderful way for all freedom loving people to come together and celebrate religious freedom! This is sure to build Jewish pride and unity.”
The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. “Bring the kids and make this your special Chanukah celebration,” said Kalmanson.
Throughout the State of Ohio, Chabad will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public Menorah lightings, giant Menorahs made out of ice and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel Houses, Lightings at Sports Games, “Chanukah Wonderlands” and more. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit JDiscovery.com/Chanukah.