Sudbury Chanukah Celebration 2010

This past Monday night a huge crowd of dozens of adults and many children braved the frigid weather and strong winds to come and celebrate Chanukah in Sudbury's Town Center. The exciting event generated lots of Chanukah Spirit and happy participants despite the cold and snow flurries.

The large 9 foot Menorah while challenging to light in the strong winds eventually was kindled with song and music, and the Chanukah lights lit up Town Center and the many Chanukah revelers who came to participate.

Live Music by the the Israeli Simcha Band of Boston along with some great tricks and shows by Flippo the Juggling Clown added to the festive atmosphere and kept young and old moving and laughing.

Hot Latkes and Blintzes along with some fresh donuts kept the crowd munching until none were left.

The Chabad Center of Sudbury would like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible, the Town Selectmen of Sudbury, all the brave participants, Josh Schwartz for his help in setting up the event, and to everyone who helped take care of all the post event needs like the Cherubino's and the Litovchiks.

Check out the link to 89 pictures

Check out 6 more pictures from Gateway Media and the Sudbury Town Crier 

Remarks from Rabbi Freeman

Happy Chanukah and Good Evening to Everyone

We celebrate Chanukah once a year for eight days in the middle of the winter to remind us of the great miracles that happened many years ago when the Jews who were being threatened and persecuted by the Greeks overcame the Greeks and were able to practice their faith and religion once again. In addition to winning the military battle, another dimension took place when they came to rekindle the Menorah in the Temple and they could only find one cruise of suitable oil which could only last for one day. A great miracle happened and the single jug of oil lasted for eight whole days. Thus each year we celebrate and mark these miracles that happened so long ago and that have been happening throughout the history of our people.  We think of the flame of the Jewish people which has always burned so brightly and yet at times was almost extinguished.  Nevertheless with G-ds help by hook or by crook we have always bounced back and the Jewish flame continues to shine.

Today on Chanukah we are celebrating the message of light and the message of each individual light, and the unique ability that light (even when small) has to turn darkness into light. We increase the flames one candle each night symbolizing the consistency of our growth and of the mighty power of each individual light.

So tonight as we celebrate Chanukah and give thanks to the Almighty for all that we have, we resolve to carry the beauty and joy of Chanukah into our homes and communities by ensuring that each one of us are beacons of light to our surroundings, through acts of goodness and kindness that will ultimately serve to illuminate and bring joy to the world around us.

As we prepare to light the Menorah for the 6^th night this Chanukah, we would like to dedicate the 6 lights to six important different themes and people.

1^st Light is dedicated to the eternal light and strength of the Jewish people who have stayed burning and shining come what may.

2^nd light is dedicated to the Town of Sudbury, its Selectmen and leaders, to its young and its old, and to the entire community at large.

3^rd light is dedicated to Dr Brian & Nancy Schwartz & Family the sponsors of this special Menorah

4^th Light is dedicated to the great country which we live in the USA and to its leaders and people in every state and province.

5^th light is dedicated to all those who protect this country and especially the US Armed Forces who ensure that peace and human rights are upheld not just for Americans but for many nations around the world. On this note this candle is also in special memory of Scott Milley a young 23 year old man from Sudbury who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan last Tuesday, may his memory be a blessing and an honor for his family and for the Town of Sudbury.

6th Light is dedicated for Israel as we pray for its peace and welfare of our brothers and sisters in the holy land.