Press release submitted by Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad Cities


Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad Cities will be hosting a Chanukah display, Menorah Lighting and Olive Press Demonstration in NorthPark Mall

Sunday December 9, 2012 for the very first time, Chanukah will be on display at NorthPark Mall in Davenport. The program hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad Cities co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and NorthPark Mall will take place from 4 - 6 p.m. on the eve of the eight-day festive holiday of Chanukah in NorthPark Mall between Ultimate Chocolate and Yankee Candle.

The interactive workshop open to the public will include Olive oil press demonstrations, picture taking with Judah Maccabee, Menorah lighting, Children's craft activity, dreidels and Chocolate Chnukah Gelt (coins).

The festival of Chanukah, specifically the mandate to kindle a menorah for eight days, each evening adding a flame, is rather unique in observance with the emphasis on public display. Some two thousand years ago, after years of oppression, the Jews victorious in battle, were ready to reintroduce Temple rituals. When all they found was a small jug of oil enough for one day it lasted for eight. It was a sign of Divine grace and today reminds us of G-d's watchful eye, then and now.

"We want by-passers, shoppers, tourists and business-people to see the Menorah because the significance of Chanukah's lies in publicizing G-d's miracles, then and now," explains Rabbi Shneur Cadaner, Director of Chabad Lubavitch, sponsor of the event. "Thus it is customary for Jewish homes to conspicuously display their own candelabras during this festival and we encourage all Jewish families to personally observe the festival of Chanukah by lighting their own menorah at home each evening for the entire duration of the eight day festival." he concluded.

In a similar vain the Chabad Lubavitch Organization has other Menorahs proudly standing in locations throughout the Quad Cities for the entire week of Chanukah to promote an awareness and appreciation for the holiday. Similar giant Menorah candelabras are on display in major cities all over the world.

The Menorahs locations include outside of Wells Fargo bank in Rock Island, outside the Quad City Bank & Trust in Bettendorf and inside HyVee on 53rd Street in Davenport.

Chabad is also hosting their annual Chanukah Celebration on Tuesday December 12th at 5:30 pm their center 1880 E 54th Street in Davenport. The celebration will include a performance by a juggler, and customary Chanukah foods such as potato latkes (pancakes) and doughnuts. The program's highlight is always their one-of-a-kind Menorah which they light at the celebration, this year's Menorah will be made of doughnuts.

For more information visit www.JewishQuadCities.com