Chanukah night gave the city of Orlando the opportunity to celebrate and share the fun spirit of Chanukah. The Grand Menorah was lit in the presence of thousands proclaiming the timeless message that light ultimately triumphs over darkness.
“There is no better place to promote the Message of Chanukah than the Amway Center in front of tens of thousands of people,” said Rabbi Tzviky Dubov of Chabad of Greater Orlando.
Chabad Centers throughout Orlando partnered together to bring the Chanukah message to thousands of Orlando Magic fans in the largest stadium in Orlando.
“The excitement and Jewish pride was palpable,” said Rabbi Yosef Konikov of Chabad of South Orlando.
Together with Chabad of Greater Orlando, Chabad of South Orlando, Chabad of North Orlando and Chabad of Downtown Orlando unity and positivity was promoted allowing everyone to tap into this incredible event, making this occasion the largest Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Central Florida.
Without a doubt everyone in that stadium knew it was Chanukah that night,” said Rabbi Dovid Dubov, Program Director of Chanukah Night.
The event kicked off with a pre-game performance by world renowned Jewish artists Jimmy Levy and Hi-Rez The Rapper. The National Anthem was performed by the talented Singer and Songwriter Yosef David. At the end of the 1st quarter, as the spotlight glared at the stage, the Grand Menorah Lighting captured the thousands of participants as Jewish Musical Artist Jimmy Levy from American Idol led with singing the Brochos.
“There’s a boy in our Hebrew School who is the only Jewish child in his class. His mom asked us to talk to him since he was feeling bad not being able to celebrate the holidays that all his friends are celebrating,” said Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad of North Orlando. “I told the mom, bring him to the Chanukah Night with the Orlando Magic,” he said.
“Later, his mom thanked me and said, ‘I am forever grateful to you. Seeing Chanukah celebrated in the presence of thousands of people gave my son the feeling that his holiday is cool! A memory he’ll carry with him forever.'”
VIDEO:
eda78319-4019-4de4-948c-2df5afbca2bb
