B"H
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 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 3,500 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 menorahsdisplayed at central locations, 80 car-top menorahs, the ubiquitous Mitzvah Tankand for the first time in Manchester a Chanukah ADVAN.
Fun for the Family
There were more than 3 dozen special Chanukah programs and eventswhich 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, to the hundreds of seniors at the18 nursing homes visited by L’Chaim volunteers, and everyone in between, L’Chaim had something for everyone.
Dozens of L’Chaim volunteers fanned through Manchester to visit senior homes, residences and shopping centres to distribute, menorahs, candles, dreidels, donuts, chocolate coins, Chanukah guides and plenty of holiday cheer. “You gave me reason to live," said one resident at a senior centre. Back again this year, by popular demand, was the Yeshiva’s travelling Chanukah theatre. The show enthralled more than 2,000 parents, teachers and kids at Manchester’s Jewish Day Schools.
Chanukah At Work
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 Centre, Oldham, Bury or the City Centre.
Digging Deeper
Chabad’s yearlong multitude of study initiatives and adult education programscontinued into Chanukah. Participants in thechavrusah 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 JLI - Torah Studies series also held a special Chanukah party in conclusion of the popular “Journey of the Soul” course.
Street Lights
As part of the mission to spread the light of Chanukah, L’Chaim coordinated car-top menorah parades in 3 cities. People of all backgrounds and affiliations joined in the mission, adorning their personal cars with bright menorahs. Thousands saw and heard the menorah-topped cars and jovially cheered and hooted as they passed.
Over 1000 attended the Grand Chanukah Family Fun Day which featured the UK’s onlyICE MENORAH together with Manchester’s only Dreidel Man. The fun day included a Juggling show, full children’s supper, Jumping castles donuts, chocolates and lively chanukah dancing at Tesco Prestwich Superstore.
Reaching Out. Far Out.
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. For many, it is the only Jewish interaction they have all year.
Teen Spirit
Some of LChaim’s most popular clubs are its CTeen groups, renowned for their innovative ideas. The teens had their chanukah fun programs and led the car menorah parade in a Chanukah Van.
In all, L'chaim - Chabad liaised with 27 organisations, schools & synagogues. Much like the light of the menorah, the effect of L’Chaim chabad’s Chanukah efforts are immeasurable. thousands participated in the parties and events, leaving the Manchester Jewish community feeling the warmth and meaning of the festival.
