Press release from Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student and Community Center
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Sunday, December 29, the fifth night of Chanukah, the Downtown Chanukah Festival and Grand Menorah Lighting will get underway at 4:00 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza (corner of E. University Ave. and SE First St.).
Many dignitaries will be on hand to join in the celebration of Chanukah and deliver holiday greetings. City and County Commissioners have confirmed their participation at the event. The Menorah lighting will be preceded by the kindling of the flame of unity, peace, and freedom, honoring and thanking the U.S. armed forces around the world as well as prayers for Israel and the release of the hostages.
The program will also feature Chanukah music, a live performance show, Chanukah kits with traditional hot latkes, tasty doughnuts, Dreidels, Menorahs, and Chanukah “Gelt.” As citizens of this great country, it is essential to express our religious freedom, and this program will reveal unprecedented Jewish pride and appreciation of the freedoms that we don’t take for granted. The largest Menorah in Alachua County will be on display and lit during the program.