This Chanukah, Panama City was lit up by a beautiful event organized by the new organization “Mitzva Tank Panama,” led by shliach Rabbi Shlomo Poliwoda and Esther Kamhaji (Poliwoda).
The Chanukah parade in Panama has been an annual event for the past 7 years, and organizers were determined to make sure this year would be no exception. In fact, it was probably the only Chanukah activity that would happen in person in the country.
As organizers were planning the idea of re-creating an auto-cinema, news came out that such a place has just opened its doors to the public!
“What Hashgacha protis!” says Shlomo Poliwoda. “After months of work, the event came about, overcoming many obstacles, potential re-closures in the country, and other challenges.”
Boruch Hashem, over 70 cars attended the event, totaling approximately 300-400 attendees.
Covid-19 safety measures were taken, people even had the choice to listen to the live audio or to tune in the same content without delay on a radio station. People were greeted with pictures, event car-flags, light sticks, sufganiyot, popcorn and they could even order food to their cars. Attendees were asked to RSVP in advance, and choose their designated spots in the lot for the public lighting.
During the event, participants enjoyed interactive games with presenter Sacky DeLarosa, and enjoyed stories related to the topic of the event by local shluchim Rabbi Gabriel Benhayon of Panama City and Rabbi Yaacov Poliwoda of Boquete.
A video played an excerpt from the famous speech delivered by the late Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Z”L, and the attendees enjoyed a beautiful concert by singers Aby & Eli.
The Menorah was lit first by the Head Shliach Rabbi Aaron Laine, followed by Shliach Shlomo Poliwoda, Bresler-Beckerman Family, Dornbusch Family and 3 CTeen teenagers.
All the food at the event was organized by CTeen volunteers, who also directed traffic led by Cteen leaders Alan Burakoff and Ariel Felsenstein.
Before leaving, everybody enjoyed a beautiful fireworks show, leaving everybody uplifted and ready to spread the light!
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VIDEO: Program Highlights
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Lejaim!