Jewish tradition teaches that no matter how dark it gets, we must strive to bring light. No holiday illuminates this concept more than Chanukah, which requires lighting one additional candle each night until we have filled the eight-branched Menorah and brought light to the darkness.

Celebrate Chanukah by going the public Menorah lighting at White Oaks Mall on Thursday, December 26th at 5:30pm.

At the time of the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Ancient Greeks had forbidden Jewish education. The well-known story of the Temple’s re-dedication is directly connected to this holiday, and the word Chanukah is related to the Hebrew word Chinuch, which means education.

Indeed, the Lubavitcher Rebbe often stressed the unique connection between Chanukah and education, considering Chanukah a special time to celebrate our freedom to provide our children with a proper Jewish education and to inspire them to connect to their heritage.

The special honor of lighting the giant community Menorah this year, is reserved for someone who has been especially generous in offering their time and energy to the Jewish Community of Springfield. This year we have chosen Steve Rambach, who has devoted his professional life to education with the students of Lanphier High School for the past 52 years.

When asked about him, students, administrators, faculty, and staff all say that he always has a smile and something nice to say. In addition, he is a valued member of the Chabad Jewish community, often donating his photography skills to preserve important community memories.

Join us for a Chanukah celebration including fresh jelly doughnuts, hot laktes, the lighting of a giant menorah, and festivities for all in the lower level of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Wing of the White Oaks Mall at 5:30pm on Thursday, December 26.

Everyone is invited, and some dignitaries will be joining us, including a US Congressman.

This event is FREE and no RSVP is required.