On Sunday, Dec. 18 the Chabad of Crescenta Valley invited the community to its annual Chanukah celebration at Memorial Park in La Cañada. Friends, families – even some furry members – joined Rabbi Mendy and his wife Mushka as they kicked off the first night of Chanukah.

Traditional food of sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) were served and there were craft tables for kids of all ages to enjoy. A photo booth table and fill your own donut station were some of the festivities.

Before the blessing and the lighting of the menorah, Rabbi Mendy told the story of Chanukah and the miracle of the one pot of oil that lasted for eight days. What resonated with a lot of the attendees was his telling that Chanukah is the only holiday –or mitzvah – within the Jewish faith that is said to be done in the open, inviting the public to join and learn. He shared those present were living versions of the Chanukah candles in the menorah, “shining our own very special glow that no one else has and to shine and share that light to the world.” In today’s very chaotic and sometimes dark world that is a very uplifting message.

Happy Chanukah to all!