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.