Hundreds participate in Hanukkah parade: ‘Wherever they’re driving, they’re spreading light’
A Bright Display of Unity
Hundreds of vehicles took to the streets on Thursday evening to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah, marking the 50th anniversary of the first public menorah lighting in the US. The Jewish Community Centers of Chicago parking lot in West Ridge hosted the Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois’ annual Hanukkah community parade, which drew in hundreds of participants.
A Dazzling Display
The parade featured around 100 cars, each with a LED menorah affixed to its roof, lining up in the parking lot. Kids sat atop cars through sunroofs, while others danced to Hanukkah music and honked their horns, spreading cheer and joy throughout the community.
A Big Entrance
Avi Scharmon, 35, made a grand entrance with his giant wooden menorah constructed with four-by-fours and two-by-fours and LED lights, proudly showcasing his unique creation on his big electric Hummer truck. This was Scharmon’s first time participating in the parade, and he felt the need to match his truck with an equally impressive menorah.
Spreading the Light
Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, executive director of Lubavitch Shabad of Illinois, likened the parade to a “launch party” for participants to continue spreading the celebration, as many tend to keep the menorah on their cars throughout Hanukkah. “Wherever they’re driving, they’re spreading light,” Moscowitz said.
Uniting in the Face of Antisemitism
This year’s Hanukkah celebration took on a special significance as antisemitism has been on the rise since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people. Scharmon noted that the parade served as a symbol of solidarity among the Jewish community, saying, “This year, unlike other years, all Jews are coming together just to kind of unite in times where we are prosecuted for being Jewish.”
A Bright Conclusion
The parade culminated in a celebration at Sky High Sports in Niles, where participants and onlookers alike shared in the joy and unity of the evening. As the menorahs continued to shine bright, it was clear that the message of Hanukkah – spreading light and unity in the face of darkness – resonated deeply with the community.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the annual Hanukkah parade?
- How many vehicles participated in the parade?
- Why was this year’s Hanukkah celebration special?
The parade is to share the Jewish message publicly and to spread the light and unity of the Hanukkah celebration.
Around 100 cars participated in the parade, each with a LED menorah affixed to its roof.
This year’s celebration took on a special significance due to the rise of antisemitism, with the parade serving as a symbol of solidarity among the Jewish community.
