Chabad of Alabama’s 4th annual menorah lighting to be Dec. 9

The Chabad of Alabama will hold its fourth annual Grand Menorah Lighting at The Summit on Dec. 9, sponsored by the Levite Jewish Community Center, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and the Karl and Gladis Fredman LJCC Fund.

Festivities are set to begin at 4:30 p.m. at Saks Plaza and will feature street fair booths where attendees can get traditional Hanukkah foods and treats, entertainment by street performers and traditional Hanukkah songs. The grand menorah will be lit at 5:15 p.m.

The menorah is a candelabra with nine branches. The ninth branch is used to light the other eight candles as each day of Hanukkah is celebrated. Dec. 9 will mark the eighth and last day of Hanukkah, so all branches will be illuminated when the Grand Menorah is lit. Later in the evening, there will be a “gelt drop” for children attending the event. Gelt refers to the money and chocolate coins that Jewish children receive during the holiday. 

In light of the recent attack on a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, event organizer Mushka Weinbaum said the celebration is fitting for the season in that they’re driving out the darkness with their light, adding goodness and kindness to the world. 

The celebration is open for anyone to attend, and the Chabad of Alabama encourages everyone, from all religious backgrounds, to come by and share in the festivities and learn about the holiday.