28 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 

Jews in the D

Light the Night

What to know about Menorah in the D.
B

eing among the most 
vibrant and close-knit 
Jewish communities 
nationwide, Detroit is a won-
derful place to be during the 
Jewish holidays. Chanukah is 
certainly no exception, thanks 
to the folks behind Menorah in 
the D. 
Every year for the past nine 
years on the first night of 
Chanukah, The Shul-Chabad 
Lubavitch of West Bloomfield 
hosts a free celebration and 
menorah lighting in Downtown 
Detroit’
s Campus Martius/
Cadillac Square. This year, 
plan on joining them on 
Sunday, Dec. 22, as they usher 
in the Chanukah holiday with 
Detroiters of all ages.
“People from all walks of 
life come together to launch 
Chanukah for the city of 
Detroit and ignite a flame that 
will bring warmth and light 
to the hearts of so many and 
transform darkness into light,” 
said Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, 
spiritual director of The 
Shul-Chabad Lubavitch. “For 
the Jewish community, it’
s a 
moment of inspiration and 
pride.”
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., enter-
tainment and refreshments will 
be available for everyone to 
enjoy, including a marshmal-
low roasting pit, face painting, 
balloon sculpting, horse-drawn 
carriage rides and a compli-
mentary snack bar. Chef Cari 
Kosher Catering will also be 

providing kosher food for pur-
chase from her food truck.
At 5 p.m., the lighting cere-
mony of the 26-foot menorah 
will commence. Designed by 
Erik and Israel Nordin of the 
Detroit Design Center, this 
menorah will be lit by signif-
icant members of the Metro 
Detroit community. This 
year, one of the torchbearers 
will be Nick Gilbert, son of 
Jennifer and Dan Gilbert of 
Quicken Loans and the Gilbert 
Foundation. Congresswoman 
Brenda Lawrence of Michigan’
s 
14th District will also be there. 
Following the lighting ceremo-
ny, stick around for live music 
and a fire show.

Menorah in the D represents 
so much more than inviting 
Chanukah into the year. It also 
symbolizes the Jewish commu-
nity coming together in times 
of challenge.

“The menorah lightnings 
this year come during a tense 
time in the country, amid con-
cern about a rise in racism and 
anti-Semitism,” publicist Sari 
Cicurel said. “Therefore, this 
event brings everyone together 
for the spirit of this holiday 
and highlights the beautiful 
stories of those lighting the 
Menorah.” 

The Shul is still accepting sponsorships 
and volunteers. To learn more, call (248) 
788-4000 or the Menorah in the D hotline 
at (313) 757-2028, visit 
menorahinthed.com or email 
info@menorahinthed.com.

STEFANI CHUDNOW CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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