New Shliach Makes Headway

By COLlive reporter

It was just in September that Rabbi Shimi and Chavi Ash moved to Gilbert, Arizona, and their activities have kept up with the fast-growing nature of the town.

Last week they held their first public event – a city-wide menorah lighting ceremony in honor of Chanukah, a first in Gilbert.

In fact, one long-time resident noted that he had lived in the area for 25 years and this was the first Chanukah celebration he’s been to.

Honored with lighting the shamash candle was Gilbert Mayor John Lewis who was joined by Town Manager Patrick Banger to hand out gifts to the children.

The event was held in SanTan Village, an open-air, super regional lifestyle center in Gilbert, that spans 1,200,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, entertainment, office, residential and hotel space.

It is strategically situated in Gilbert, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing areas.

75 people attended the ceremony, singing holiday songs with joy and tasting the delicious fried-in-oil foods.

Head Shliach Rabbi Zalman Levertov and Rabbi Ash thanked Mr. and Mrs. Marc Schachter for sponsoring the Menorah and invited locals to get involved with the activities of the Chabad Jewish Center of Gilbert.