Alameda's LEGO Menorah Delights Residents

ALAMEDA, CA — Wednesday, New Year's Day, was the final night of Hanukkah this season.

On Sunday night, over 250 residents of Alameda and the surrounding area came together for Chabad of Alameda's 8th annual public menorah lighting, according to Jacob Scheer.

The centerpiece and highlight of the event was the 7-ft tall LEGO menorah, which was constructed by children at the Alameda Hebrew School of the Arts.

"People love the LEGO menorah. It brings them joy and wonder, inspires creativity, and makes the menorah lighting fun and exciting," said Rabbi Meir Shmotkin, director of Chabad of Alameda.

"This was a very special event where people from all backgrounds and walks of life came together to celebrate Hanukkah and its universal message of light over darkness."

Mayor Marilyn Ashcraft and Alameda County Supervisor Lene Tam delivered holiday greetings on behalf of the city, city council and the county.

"If we can make just one child proud of their heritage and their religion, we have done our job," said Mushki Shmotkin, co-director of Chabad of Alameda.

Alameda’s menorah is one of over 15,000 large public menorahs throughout the world, including one in San Francisco's Union Square.