Temple Israel of Alameda and the South Shore Center Management are hosting their annual public Menorah Lighting Celebration in the center court area of South Shore Center on Wednesday, December 17, from 5 to 7 p.m.
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Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, County Supervisor Lena Tam, Alameda Fire Chief Nick Luby and Police Chief Nishant Joshi will join the party, along with City Council and school board members.
The fun-filled annual event features a Glam Booth, a crafts station for the kids, dreidel playing, a sing-a-long, dancing, and music by the Chelm All-Stars klezmer band. Enjoy sufganiyot (jelly donuts that are a Hanukkah tradition), bagels from the Bagel Street Café, and light refreshments from Rita’s Italian Ice.
The menorah is on display at South Shore Center, and each night during Hanukkah, a new candle will be lighted at around 5 p.m. for all to enjoy. The event was the brainchild of Color Me Mine owner Mike Berkowitz, who is a member of Temple Israel.
“I wanted to create a community space for everyone to come together and celebrate Hanukkah while bringing more people to support their local mall instead of shopping online,” Berkowitz said.
The outdoor event is free and open to the public. The center court area is located in the middle of South Shore Center near Trabocco Restaurant and Daiso. For more information about the event, email [email protected] [2].
Temple Israel is a Reform congregation that has been a central part of the Jewish Community in Alameda since 1920. Visit the Temple Israel [3] website to learn more.