26 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 
J
N

OUR COMMUNITY

T

he call to 
come together 
for this year’s 
annual Menorah in 
the D is “Darkness 
doesn’t stand a 
chance.” 
On Dec. 7, the first 
night of Chanukah, 
thousands of Jews 
and friends will 
come together to 
light the 26-foot 
menorah at Campus 
Martius in the 
heart of Downtown 
Detroit.
“This is our 
opportunity to 
come out en masse 
and strengthen our 
resolve and pride 
in who we are and 
what we stand 
for,” said Rabbi 
Kasriel Shemtov, 
vice president and 
executive director of 
Chabad-Lubavitch of 
Michigan.
He added, “Invite your friends, Jews, 
and non-Jews, along with you to stand in 
solidarity of good over evil and light over 
darkness.”
This event, now in its 13th year, brings 
together thousands of guests from all over 
Metro Detroit to welcome and celebrate 
Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. 
The word Chanukah means “dedication” 
and was named this to celebrate the 
rededication of the Holy Temple in 
Jerusalem. We remember the triumph of 
Jews against the Syrian-Greeks, and the 
miracle of oil sufficient for a single night 
of light of the Temple’s menorah lasting for 
eight nights. 
The Menorah in the D celebration 
will be filled with light, joy, community 
and solidarity. Guests will hear from 

community leaders 
and dignitaries, 
as well as enjoy a 
fire show, strolling 
entertainment and 
a performance by 
the Detroit Pistons 
Extreme Team. 
And what 
is Chanukah 
without delicious 
oily yumminess? 
There will be 
complimentary hot 
soup, snacks, cider, 
and marshmallows 
roasting over fire. 
Chef Cari will be 
back again this year 
with her kosher food 
truck.
Itty Shemtov, 
rebbetzin and 
education director 
of The Shul-Chabad 
Lubavitch in 
West Bloomfield, 
said, “We’ll keep 
gathering, keep 
strengthening our 
resolve and pride in who we are, and we’re 
not deterred by darkness.” 
She added, “Menorah in the D has been 
the largest outdoor gathering of Jewish 
people in our city for years. This year, 
thousands across Detroit will celebrate 
Jewish light, love and unity this Chanukah.”
Welcoming all to show up, participate, 
and add their own light, Rebbetzin 
Shemtov said, “This Chanukah, join the 
largest immersive Jewish experience, but 
not as a bystander. Your presence and light 
are needed. It’s time for Jewish joy and 
celebration to be the headline.”
Menorah in the D is a project of Chabad-
Lubavitch of Michigan in partnership 
with The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch, Jewish 
Federation of Detroit and Chabad Greater 
Downtown Detroit. 

Menorah in the D

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Details
What: Menorah in the D
Date: Dec. 7, 2023
Time: 5 p.m.: Gates open 
5:30 p.m.: Ceremony
Where: Campus Martius, Detroit
More info and free registration: 
www.menorahinthed.com

Beth Ahm 
Welcomes 
Epic Kosher 
Catering

Congregation Beth Ahm has 
welcomed Epic Kosher Catering 
to serve as its exclusive caterer 
effective Nov. 17. 
With connections to Milk & 
Honey, Soul Café and Dakota 
Bread, Epic will provide both 
meat and dairy full-service cater-
ing. Additionally, Epic Catering 
is actively involved in supporting 
Friendship Circle’s trainee pro-
gram, which offers vocational 
opportunities for special needs 
adults, exemplifying their com-
mitment to community engage-
ment and inclusivity.
Epic Kosher Catering’s cer-
tification is through the Vaad 
Harabonim. 
“The congregation serves as an 
event venue to many organiza-
tions in the community and hosts 
many private events. Having 
a caterer with widely accepted 
kashrut certification is critical to 
the congregation and the com-
munity we serve,
” said synagogue 
president David Stryk.
“We are also excited to bring 
Epic’s creativity, positive reputa-
tion, social service connections 
and strong capabilities to the 
congregation,
” Stryk added. 
“Together, Beth Ahm and Epic 
will be able to provide event 
space and food service for gath-
erings small to large, casual to 
elaborate and everywhere in- 
between.
”
Congregation Beth Ahm can 
host events for up to 300 guests. 
Weddings, b’nai mitzvah, show-
ers, community events, continu-
ing education and family dinners 
are just some of the events held at 
the synagogue. 
If you’re interested in plan-
ning an event, contact Executive 
Director David Goodman at 
(248) 851-6880 to explore pos-
sibilities and inquire about an 
event date. 

