Kindling a Little Bit of Light
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 24 and continues through January 1, adding eight more days of lights, special meals and gift-giving to the festivities of the season. It’s an unusual extension, as Christmas and Hanukkah have overlapped only a handful of times over the last century. Starting on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev — which may occur at any time from late November to late December — Hanukkah is a moveable feast, while Christmas is a fixed date.
In Annapolis, Hanukkah’s message of joy and light begins with the annual menorah car parade on December 25. Over two dozen vehicles adorned with the glowing candelabrums drive through the city on the way to City Dock to light the giant menorah for Hanukkah.
The downtown menorah is now a decade-old Hanukkah tradition, with the parade following for five years.
“We felt that a menorah parade leading to the kindling of a giant menorah at City Dock would be the best way to bring out the joy in Judaism,” explained Hindy Light of sponsoring Chabad of Anne Arundel County. “The light from the menorah is a little bit of light in a world that is full of darkness and has been the highlight of Hanukkah for so many in the community.”
Cruise with a menorah on top of your car to Annapolis City Dock where the Chabad of Anne Arundel County will kindle a large menorah and serve coffee, gelt, donuts and hot latkes (5:45pm). Call if you need a menorah for your car. Parade meets at 4:45pm at Housley Rd. Safeway, Annapolis: [email protected], 443-321-9859, www.chabadannearundel.org.