Chabad prepares for Chanukah

Chabad of the Conejo is celebrating Chanukah with festivals for youth, teens and families and menorah displays and lighting in shopping centers designed to reach out to tens of thousands of Jewish families throughout the holiday period.

Throughout the week leading up to Chanukah (which begins at sundown, Sun., Dec. 25), Chabad representatives will visit local Jewish schools and senior homes with the olive press demonstrations. The workshop is a hands-on presentation of how olive oil is made from raw olives. The miracle of Chanukah involved olive oil, one of the central symbols of the holiday. The workshop uses the demonstration as a means to explain the story of Chanukah.

Menorah displays have been placed in dozens of shopping centers throughout Agoura Hills/ Conejo Valley communities. Chabad has also placed menorahs in city halls and government facilities, including the Agoura Hills City Hall, the Civics Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, West-lake Village City Hall and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

At 9:30 a.m. Tues., Dec. 20, Chabad will join with the Conejo Jewish Day School, Mayor Denis Weber and members of the city council and city staff at Agoura Hills City Hall for a menorah lighting and ceremony.

From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 25, Chabad of the Conejo will join with Chabad of Cala-basas in hosting a free “Chanukah Concert in the Park” at Chumash Park in Agoura Hills. Following a picnic and concert will be the kindling of the first light of the menorah. Featured entertainers include The Eighth Day Band and Chassidic singer Benny Friedman. The concert is open to all.

Following the concert, Chabad of Thousand Oaks will host “Chanukah on Ice” at the ice skating rink at The Lakes shopping center at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. The festivities will continue to 6:30 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26, Chabad of the Conejo will join with Chabad of Simi Valley and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in hosting “The Triumph of Freedom: Chanukah at the Reagan Presidential Library.” A family festival in the new Presidential Learning Center will include music, a magical bird show, the building of a Lego menorah, gifts for the children, donuts, a children’s choir and guest dignitaries. It will be followed by the outdoor lighting ceremony and singing patriotic songs. This event is free and open to the public.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 28, Chabad of Thousand Oaks will host a free “Family Festival at the Janss” in the courtyard of the Janss Marketplace. Music, dignitaries, hot chocolate, refreshments and a menorah lighting will highlight this celebration.

For details or questions about Chanukah, please call (818) 991-0991.