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| Photo by MARK KATZ
Thousands of children and adults, including Sarah Gabay, Adi Torkin, Tamara Shabi and Houston Rockets mascot Clutch, celebrated the first night of Chanukah at Chabad’s Chanukah on Ice in The Galleria. (The child on the left, regrettably, was not identified.) |
Chabad of Houston events draw thousands to The Galleria
More than 2,500 skaters and onlookers packed The Galleria ice-skating rink area in celebration of the first night of Chanukah, Sunday, Dec. 21. Members of the Jewish community and friends occupied every seat at the end of the rink, and on all three floors, filled to capacity the balconies overlooking the skaters. The event, Chabad Outreach of Houston’s “Chanukah on Ice,” captured the joy of Jewish unity, commemorating the miracle that has been celebrated with light for nearly 2,200 years.
Highlights of the evening included a Hakhel Year Jewish Unity address, by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, Texas Regional director of Chabad Lubavitch; lighting the chanukiah, by Consul General of Israel to the Southwest Asher Yarden; recitation of the Sh’ma by Zack Katzenellenbogen from the Friendship Circle; and guest appearances by Clutch, mascot of the Houston Rockets, and Chilly, Houston Aeros mascot.
The evening also included a giveaway of four tickets to a Rockets game.
Chabad will sponsor more Chanukah events for the entire community during the eight-night celebration. On Saturday, Dec. 27, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a public lighting of the chanukiah at City Hall; Mayor Bill White will attend.
“Yes We ‘Can’ ” on Sunday, Dec. 28, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Chabad Uptown, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., will feature a “Can-orah” building and lighting ceremony with Chanukah foods and arts and crafts. Participants should bring canned food to help build a chanukiah; canned goods will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.
On Monday, Dec. 29, Chabad and the Houston Rockets present “Hoops & Chanukah.” Those arriving at the Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards game at the Toyota Center, two hours prior to tipoff, may attend the Chanukah party. Order tickets by calling 713-758-7231 or 713-758-7455.
For more Chabad Chanukah, go to www.chabadhouston.org.