Chabad of Montecito 3rd Annual Menorah Lighting

Chabad Montecito’s 3^rd Annual Menorah lighting for all took place on Tuesday, December 16, from 5 to 6 pm at the Corner Green in front of Pierre Lafond on East Valley Road. When I arrived at 4:45 pm, the atmosphere proved uplifting, supportive and celebratory, with many community members who gathered with their friends and families representing all religious beliefs.

The large menorah stand in the park was illuminated by electricity, its candles on top waiting to be lit during the program. To its right was a live music performance with keyboardist Mendy Pels and singer Yankele Friedman, managed by sound engineer and musician Maitland Ward. On the left was a large viewing screen with video feed on the history of Channukah and its traditions, and animated games for the children. There was a craft table for children to do coloring and make cutouts of Hannukah symbols and toys. Two tables with volunteers served attendees donuts, latkes, water, and milk. And if you can imagine it, there was a human dreidel walking around making people happy. Keeping everyone safe were Lt. Richard Brittingham and his crew, including canine crew, along with Montecito Fire Department Chief David Neels’team.

Rabbis and their wives and children attending the celebration were Chabad of Montecito’s Executive Director Rabbi Chaim Loschak and his wife Mushkie Loschak; UCSB Chabad Rabbi Gershon Klein and wife Miri Klein; and SB Chabad Rabbi Mendel Loschak and wife Rochel Loschak.

Rabbi Chaim founded this annual event, and shared with me for our readers, “This community event is about showing up, standing together, and sharing a moment of light.” He expounded on this theme during the evening’s program saying, “I have to be honest with everyone, after reading what happened at Bondi, people doing just what we are doing this evening, I felt broken, I lost a colleague who was there. There are people who want Jews to stay quiet and stay small. Hannukah says the opposite, it is the story of lighting a flame, light is stronger than fear. Darkness will never have the final word. Let the lights of Hannukah bring comfort to everyone. Share the light to do good. I want to thank everyone for coming, and to those who are not Jewish, it means a lot to us that you are here, to have a community that stands together.” 

Speaking after Rabbi Chaim was his brother Rabbi Mendel who focused on Jewish people’s ability to feel deeply about things that happen to them, either happy or sad, in a way that brings a connection to them. Doug Black, Montecito Association Board President, spoke about the MA supporting community and the importance of everyone gathered together to celebrate Hannukah. The formal program included an animated video to guide the children in a dance, and an LED juggling performance by Ami from Firestorm Talent to the song, “Light Up the Night.” 

At sundown, the menorah lighting ceremony began. David Wadors, the event sponsor, lit the Shamosh (the middle “server” candle) and Rabbi Chaim lit the candles for this day in Hannukah. Traditional Hannukah candle blessings and candle lighting songs were performed by Rabbi Chaim and Rabbi Mendel. 

Rabbi Chaim’s thank yous went to Ari Loschak, Robert Miller, and Beth Sullivan from the Coast Village Association, Eric Morrison, Sully Israel, Joel Dovev, Leslie Schneiderman, Cindy Feinberg, Zach Kucinski, Montecito Fire Chief Neels and his team, the sheriff’s office, the Friendship Center Executive Director Kathryn Westland, David and Pat Wadors, Mitchell Chupack, Cindy Feinberg, Jewish Federation of SB CEO Cyndi Silverman, Lise Deinhard from Wendy Foster, Maitland Ward, and the Montecito Association’s Doug Black, Houghton Hyatt, and Mindy Denson.  

The event concluded with men dancing and singing traditionally in a circle, parting hugs, and photo ops.

411: https://www.jewishmontecito.org