1st Public Menorah In Bowie Draws Crowd To Celebrate Hanukkah

BOWIE, MD — For the first time, Chabad of Bowie lit a 9-foot-tall Hanukkah menorah set up outdoors at the Bowie Senior Center as one of 15,000 public menorahs worldwide.

The ceremony, organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Eli Baron with the assistance of others, included an LED juggling act and was followed by a Hanukkah sing-along and dance. Participants then headed indoors to enjoy oil-based foods, traditionally eaten on Hanukkah, including donuts and latkes, and hot drinks. Children were treated to special Hanukkah crafts.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of the city of Bowie's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship God freely, openly and with pride. This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” Baron said. “The message of Hanukkah is the message of light. The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

This year's celebration also mark 50 years since the first public menorah was lit at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974 following the creation of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign in 1973, organizers say.

"Events like a large menorah lighting are not only exciting for my small children, but allows us the space to talk about why we celebrate this holiday and strengthen their Jewish pride," added Nikki Sherman of Bowie. "I was so excited to find that Chabad has arrived here, so my small children can have more opportunities to engage with their Jewish heritage and community."

For more information about Chabad of Bowie, visit ChabadBowie.com.