A Menorah was lit at the Ottawa Senators NHL team hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre on the 2nd night of Chanukah. The team’s executive team, official mascot and government officials helped light the 9ft. Menorah.
The event, coordinated by Rabbi Menachem M. Blum of Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad (OTC), featured the teams’ official mascot Spartacat who distributed Chanukah gelt and dreidels to the children.
This event took place on the 2nd night of Chanukah in partnership with the Ottawa Jewish Federation and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.
As people walked in to the arena for the Senators/Canucks game they were greeted by a 9ft. Menorah, set up in the main plaza with a sign inviting everyone to the lighting ceremony to take place during the first intermission. The Menorah lighting was announced on the scoreboard during the first period while official announcer Stuntman Stu wished the crowd a “Happy Chanukah.”
Ciryl Leeder, President of the Ottawa Senators as well as other executives from the hockey team participated in the lighting ceremony. His Excellency Mr. Rafael Raul Barak, Israel’s new ambassador to Canada was present with his wife Miriam and assisted in lighting the Menorah. The Honourable Chris Alexander, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as well as Members of Parliament Bernard Trottier and James Bezan participated in the ceremony. A few hundred participants enjoyed donuts and latkes during the ceremony.
Attendees were invited to drop in anytime during the game and visit a special Chanukah suite that was stocked with additional Chanukah goodies.
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