Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Rabbi Moshe, wife Chavi and their baby Mendel Dubinsky of the new South Lake Chabad Lubavitch hosted a safe and festive outdoor Chanukah celebration to welcome in the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights. This free event was open to the entire community.
Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky warmly opened the event with the interesting story of Chanukah and his hope that the Chabad would become a well-respected, family-oriented addition to the South Lake community. With over 75 people in attendance, there were plenty of families with children representing the Jewish Communities in the South Lake area.
Clermont Mayor Tim Murry gave welcoming remarks, sharing praise for the local Jewish Community and all religious beliefs. He sincerely expressed his promise to help spread awareness of the many diverse beliefs and celebrations throughout the area.
This very symbolic outdoor Chanukah menorah lighting event was held at Trailhead Park in Minneola and it was attended by numerous locals of various faiths. First Responders were announced and honored. Rabbi Dubinsky shared a candle lighting ceremony with special Chanukah prayers.
The entire group of attendees sang a series of Chanukah songs, including ‘Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel’, ‘Maoz Tzur’ and ‘Oh Chanukah’. Children and attendees were treated to free dreidels and Chanukah gelt.
Todd Kay, a local area entertainer was a big hit with his magical tricks, juggling, mime and more. Plenty of children volunteered to participate in his sho
Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky is excited to become a resident of south Lake and noted that the South Lake Chabad Lubavitch is happy to accept all Jews regardless of background or level of observance for Chabad membership once it gets established in the South Lake Area. The mission of the new area Chabad is to provide a warm Chabad community environment as well as dedication to the spiritual and social needs of all local Jews with a strong emphasis on Jewish education.
Visit the article on CHABAD OF SOUTH LAKE COUNTY for further information.
Chabad of South Lake County is a non-profit organization serving the needs of the Jewish Community at large. For more information, contact Chabad South Lake at 352-717-4119, JewishSouthLake@GMail.com and visit: https://www.facebook.com/Jewishsouthlake/.
