Chabad’s Chanukah events slated

Chabad of the Conejo is celebrating Chanukah with festivalsmenorah displays and kindlings in shopping centers designed to reach out to thousands of Jewish families throughout the holiday period.

Throughout the week leading up to Chanukah (which begins asundown, Sun., Dec. 25), Chabad representatives will visit local Jewish schools and senior homes with the olive press demonstrations. The workshop is a hands-on presentation of how olive oil is made from raw olives. The miracle of Chanukah involved olive oil, one of the central symbols of the holiday. The workshop uses the demonstration as a means to explain the story of Chanukah.

Menorah displays have been placed in dozens of shopping centers throughout Agoura HillsConejo Valley communitiesChabad has also placed menorahs in city halls and government facilities, including the Agoura Hills City Hall, the Civics Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village City Hall and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. At 9:30 a.m. Tues., Dec. 20Chabad will join with the Conejo Jewish Day School, Mayor Denis Weber and members of the city council and city staff at Agoura Hills City Hall for a menorah kindling and ceremony. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sun.Dec. 25, Chabad of the Conejo wiljoin with Chabad of Calabasas in hosting a free “Chanukah Concerin the Park” at Chumash Park in Agoura Hills. The kindling of the first light of the menorah will follow a picnic and concert. Featured entertainers include The Eighth Day Band and Chassidic singer Benny Friedman. The concert is open to all.

After the concert, Chabad of Thousand Oaks will host “Chanukah on Ice” at the ice skating rink at The Lakes shopping center at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. The festivities will continue until 6:30 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26, Chabad of the Conejo will join with Chabad of Simi Valley and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in hosting “The Triumph of Freedom: Chanukah at the Reagan Presidential Library.” A family festival in the new Presidential Learning Center will include music, a magical bird show, the building of a Lego menorah, gifts for the children, donuts, a children’s choir and guest dignitaries. It will be followed by an outdoor kindling ceremony and singing. This event is free and open to the public.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 28, Chabad of Thousand Oaks will host a free “Family Festival at the Janss” in the courtyard of the Janss Marketplace. Music, dignitaries, hot chocolate, refreshments and a menorah kindling will highlight this celebration.

For more information on any event or questions about Chanukah, please call (818) 991-0991.