Latkes, music and a giant menorah-like charity box is coming to Southlake Town Square to kick off the start of Hanukkah.<\/p>\n
Each year, the Chabad of Southlake organizes a public gathering for the eight-day celebration also called the Jewish Festival of Lights. Chabad-Lubavitch is known as a traditional movement, or branch, of Hasidism within the Jewish Orthodox faith. The Chabad of Southlake aims to be a hub for all Jewish people of all affiliations, according to its website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Southlake tradition has continued for over a decade \u2014 and this year will be no different.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Jewish community and residents will gather at the city\u2019s square to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, which falls on Dec. 14 and runs through Dec. 22 this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n The evening will be filled with a menorah lighting, the signature potato pancakes called latkes and a chocolate coin gelt drop from the top of a firetruck ladder, said Rabbi Levi Gurevitch of Chabad of Southlake.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe idea of a public lighting is just meant to bring the message of Hanukkah to a larger community and to celebrate Hanukkah out in the public square,\u201d Gurevitch said.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you go<\/strong><\/p>\n What:<\/strong> Chanukah at Southlake Town Square 2025<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>5:30 p.m. Dec. 14<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St.<\/p>\n Admission: <\/strong>Free. Register here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hanukkah, or Chanukah, means \u201cdedication\u201d in Hebrew and commemorates the Jewish people\u2019s victory over the Syrian army in the second century B.C. and the rededication of Jerusalem\u2019s temple, according to ReligionLink<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The oil used to rededicate the temple lasted for eight days rather than the expected single day, which is why menorah candles are lit for eight nights of Hanukkah.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hanukkah is a universal message of light over darkness for Jewish people and the entire world, Gurevitch said.\u00a0<\/p>\n One way the Chabad of Southlake aims to bring light through the event is with a menorah that will work like a charity box, Gurevitch said. Attendees can donate money to the organization\u2019s program called the Caring Kitchen. Volunteers of that project lead cooking sessions or deliver meals to local shelters, food banks and directly to families in need, according to its website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is more light and brings the holiday cheer to people that are in a place of darkness,\u201d Gurevitch said. \u201cWe try to help them. I mean, that\u2019s the ultimate spirit of Hanukkah, and that\u2019s really the goal.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \nOther Hanukkah observances in Tarrant County<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Chanukiah Lighting at <\/strong>Sundance Square<\/strong><\/p>\n When: <\/strong>5:30 p.m. Dec. 17<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Sundance Square, 420 Main St., Fort Worth<\/p>\n For more information email c.simon@tarrantfederation.org<\/a><\/p>\n Light It Up: A Hanukkah & Havdalah Community Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 6 p.m. Dec. 20<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>Location provided upon registration. Sign up here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.<\/a><\/p>\n