Manchester Celebrates 8 Miraculous Days

When the Maccabees lit the menorah with that tiny flask of oil, it took a wondrous G-dly miracle for the oil to last 8 days. A few thousand years later, and the sheer amount of Chanukah programs and initiatives squeezed into 8 days by L’Chaim Chabad seemed miraculous in its own right!

The mission began even before the onset of the holiday, with the food bank doling out more than £20,000 worth of aid to needy families, in the form of food, clothing, shelter and gifts for the kids. 

In the leadup to Chanukah and throughout the 8 days, L’Chaim staff and volunteers spread chanukah awareness, distributing 5,000 Chanukah L’Chaim brochures, 2,000 dreidels, 1,700 menorah kits, and 6,000 donuts. Of course, Just about every living being in Manchester knew it was Chanukah, thanks to 11 giant menorahs displayed at central locations, 70 car-top menorahs and the ubiquitous Mitzvah Tank.

There were more than 3 dozen special Chanukah programs and events which filled almost every waking hour of the festival, catering to people of every age and all affiliations. From the babies enjoying circle time and Chanukah song and dance at Mommy and Me, to the hundreds of seniors at the 14 nursing homes visited by L’Chaim volunteers, and everyone in between, L’Chaim had something for everyone. 

Family programs included donut decorating at Little Chefs for toddlers, a Mike the Clown Magic Show at Jumping Jacks, and a bash at the JS Restaurant. For parents, one Chanukah highlight was the newly launched After-Shabbos Young Parents Club, which allows young men and women to take a break over a few drinks, with great company in a laid back environment. 

L’Chaim’s annual Fun Day Chanukah Carnival, hosted in conjunction with Holy Law Synagogue, brought hundreds of happy children together to enjoy dozens of carnival stalls, including  radio-controlled Maccabees and finding hidden Chanukah gelt. Hotdogs, jumping castle donuts and prizes rounded off the day’s attractions. 

Chanukah candles might be lit as it is getting dark, but there is no reason why businessmen and women can’t enjoy a little Chanukah inspiration during their busy days. Chabad volunteers visited hundreds of offices throughout the holiday, and arranged parties such as those at the Worth Business Center, Spinningfields, Oldham, Bury or the City Centre. Volunteers of the Community Security Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the British Jewish community, got a taste of L’Chaims signature holiday spirit at their event.

 

The Young Jewish Professionals Network of Greater Manchester farewelled a founding member soon emigrating with a game of ballistic paintballing. After a few hours of shooting, crawling and laughing, the warriors returned to Rabbi Levi's place for a BBQ by Taam Grill.

Chabad’s yearlong multitude of study initiatives and adult education programs continued into Chanukah. Participants in the chavrusah program - a study partner program, gathered round a table for a more informal traditional “farbrengen” (gathering), for  Chassidic melodies, inspiring words and warm camaraderie. The fast growing Torah Studies series just completed a 3 part Jewish History series, timed for the Chanukah celebrations, hosted by the Gouldman family.

As part of the mission to spread the light of Chanukah, L’Chaim coordinated car-top menorah parades in 3 cities, including Cheadle, Manchester and, for the first time ever, Liverpool. Each parade culminated in a grand menorah lighting at a city attraction, and saw hundreds of enthralled onlookers waving and cheering in delight. 

Local shoppers were treated to donuts, chocolates and lively chanukah dancing at nightly menorah lightings at Tesco Prestwich Superstore, Rare Grill and Sainsbury's.

From Yorkshire to stoke and Staffordshire, Jewish communities in 10 more rural areas were visited by L’Chaim volunteer students who shared the joy and inspiration of Chanukah.

 

Some of LChaim’s most popular clubs are its CTeen groups, 

renowned for their innovative ideas. The boys had their chanukah fun at Laser Quest, Crazy Golf and led the car menorah parade in a stretch Limo. The various girls groups had a blast at pizza parties,enjoyed a gourmet shawarma and bowling evening and a snow tubing trip.

 

In all, L'chaim - Chabad liaised with 27 organisations, schools & synagogues, a special mention to Rabbi Chein - Chabad of Cheadle, Holy Law Synagogue & Heaton Park Synagogue for their cooperation. More than 1200 houses and 300 businesses and stores were visited. Tens of thousands saw and heard L’Chaim-Chabad’s Chanukah messages, and were inspired to increase light within their personal and communal lives.

 

 

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