Drive-in Menorah Lighting

press release: Chabad of Madison will host a COVID-safe Chanukah Drive-In at Hilldale, on December 13, the 4th night of the eight-day holiday. While the scope of the ceremony will be limited amid Dane county’s ongoing coronavirus emergency, the lights will shine forth as brightly as ever.

This year’s Chanukah celebration is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during what for many is a very difficult time. Chabad of Madison will also distribute menorahs, candles, and Hanukkah-at-home kits to those celebrating at home.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us,” said Rabbi Avremel Matusof. “The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

This year, the holiday has added significance as so many will be isolated at home on Hanukkah amid these difficult times. As the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—would often teach, the menorah is a reminder that light can be brought to the darkest of times, and uniquely, at the core of the holiday’s observance is sharing the light with others who may not be experiencing it.

Indeed, the coronavirus has hit WI hard with so many tragic victims of the pandemic, not only those infected but also those who have suffered economic and emotional devastation.

Throughout the pandemic, the Chabad centers of WI have been on the front lines of providing social, humanitarian and spiritual support to community members. The covid-safe Drive-in is the latest of many innovative programs created in response to these unique times by Chabad of Madison, including Passover Seders-to-go, Rosh Hashanah shofar in the Park, and Shabbat-in-a-box deliveries.

To ensure everyone is safe, the Drive-In will be very limited, with all participants remaining in their cars, sound being transmitted via FM radio, to ensure the event is safe. The event will include a menorah lighting ceremony, a virtual Chanukah game, and a great video presentation.

This year has seen illness, death, quarantine, closures and business collapses, all amidst an overwhelming sense of sheer confusion and despair. In light of this heightened sense of urgency to share the message, spirit and hope of Hanukkah, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement worldwide is preparing the largest Hanukkah awareness campaign in history.

This year’s global campaign will see Chabad reach 8 million Jews in more than 100 countries. With safety measures limiting many in-person gatherings, Chabad will erect some 15,000 large public menorahs, which will be seen by millions on streets and public squares around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin.

Chabad-organized menorah parades will see over 6,500 Hanukkah menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Hanukkah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighborhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Hanukkah with pride. With many events curtailed, others opting for a drive-in model and many people isolating, Chabad will help families bring the light and celebration of Hanukkah into their homes and will distribute approximately 32 million Hanukkah candles, more than 700,000 menorah kits, 350,000 family at-home Hanukkah kits and 2.5 million holiday guides in 17 languages.

Throughout the state of Wisconsin, Chabad will be organizing hundreds of giant menorah displays. To find a local event in Wisconsin, or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit the international Hanukkah event directory at www.chabadmadison.com/hanukkahevents.