Bring your folks to the Annenberg this Chanuka to help build a giant menorah out of canned food — and light up the night in more ways than one. “The Menorah of Giving” will be built by community members this Chanukah, out of donated food cans later to be distributed to local food banks.
“We will be lighting up the night while helping to fight hunger in our community,” said Rabbi Teleshevsky, who together with his wife Shira and their children, are excited to be hosting this meaningful event for all segments of our community to unite in helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
The lighting of the menorah will take place on Sunday, December 22, from 4 - 6 p.m., kicking off the first night of Chanukah at The Annenberg Beach House Terrace Lounge, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, with remarks by State Senator Ben Allen.
This event will also be the Official Award Ceremony for the “Shed A Light on Homelessness” campaign initiated to give children (adult submissions are welcome too) a chance to share their thoughts and ideas about how we can help the people without homes that are sharing our neighborhood with us.
“This is a very important and timely topic in our neighborhood”, says Shira. “And it is time for us to look at it with fresh eyes, from a new angle, and allow our children to share their thoughts about it.”
She also feels that it is important for children to be given a chance to do things that have a tangible positive affect in this world. “It’s addictive, in a good way: the experience of making a positive impact is magical for kids. Once they experience it, they just want more and more.”
Winners of the writing contest will receive prizes as well as $250 towards implementing their idea, to be overseen by a team of judges.
Community leaders and local dignitaries are scheduled to attend the Menorah Lighting and Award Ceremony with live music and a performance by the Neirot Children’s Choir.
Hot latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts will be served at the free event.
Participants are asked to bring canned goods and help build a giant menorah out of cans. Candles will be lit on the “can menorah,” and later the cans will be donated to local food pantries for needy families.
The ‘Menorah of Giving’ reflects the meaning of Chanukah in that every act of kindness, like the donation of a can of food, can bring light, said Rabbi Chaim Teleshevsky, the chabad’s director. “The miracle and message of Chanukah is that even a small amount of goodness can overpower evil,” Teleshevsky said.
Festivities include Chanukah arts and crafts, holiday music, latkes and donuts. Reservations are required.
For more information, call (310)280- 6598, or visit www.chabadnorthofmontana.com/annenberg
To submit your idea of how we can “Shine a Light on Homelessness,” visit www.ShineaLightonHomelessness.com. Submissions are due by December 18 to be reviewed by the campaign’s panel of judges.”
Submitted by rabbi chaim l. teleshevsky
