There is something magical about seeing a huge Menorah glowing against the winter sky. It feels ancient and modern at the same time, rooted in Jewish history but completely alive in the world we live in today.
Public Menorah lightings were not always part of the landscape. In the 1970s the Rebbe began teaching that Chanukah carries a universal message. Light does not belong indoors. It is meant to shine outward. The miracle of the oil is not just a Jewish story. It is a human story about hope, goodness and the power of one tiny flame to push away a whole room of darkness.
The Rebbe reminded us that a little light can change an entire environment. So why hide it. Why not take the Menorah into the heart of our cities, universities, state capitols, parks and public squares. And so began the modern movement of public Menorah lightings. Today they take place in more than one hundred countries, from busy plazas in New York City to quiet corners of small towns in the Midwest. The message is always the same. Light belongs to everyone. And each of us has the ability to add more of it.
This year in Omaha we are not just adding light, we are starting traditions, celebrating as a community and inviting every person, young and old, Jewish and not Jewish, to be part of the glow. Chanukah 5786 is going to be unforgettable.
Here is what is coming your way.
Sunday Night, December 14 at 5 PM
Chanukah Kickoff at Stinson Park
The annual celebration returns, bigger and brighter. This year’s special feature will be a full balloon Menorah that will rise as the sun sets. We will have balloon artists twisting creations for the kids, a bubble machine filling the plaza with magic, and our famous latke truck rolling in hot and ready. Music, menorah, community and pure joy. It is the perfect way to launch the Festival of Lights.
Monday, December 15
YJP Chanukah
It is time for the Young Jewish Professionals to have their own night to shine. We will gather for a special Chanukah celebration filled with the kind of energy only a YJP crowd can bring. Food, music, friends and pride in who we are.
Tuesday, December 16, 4 to 8 PM
Chanukah Skate Night at Heartwood Preserve
Welcome to what will quickly become another Omaha tradition. We are taking over the Heartwood pop up winter rink for a full four hour Chanukah party. To reserve your skating time just email the rink at the posted address. You do not need to be an ice skater to have a great time. There will be Israeli donuts, the latke truck, hot cocoa stations, crafts for all ages and the debut of our ice sculptured Menorah. When the sculptor finishes, we will light it together. Watching a Menorah emerge from a block of ice is a sight you will not forget.
*Make sure to fill out a waiver in advance for anyone who is planning to ice skate: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/6712c39610faf/web/.
Wednesday, December 17
Chabad Takes Lincoln
Our Nebraska tradition continues as we join Governor Pillen for the annual Menorah lighting at the State Capitol. We invite the entire community to be there with us. Students at UNL will get their turn at the latke truck too. This event is always a moment of real pride. Standing on the steps of the Capitol and watching the flames rise feels like a message straight from ancient Jerusalem to modern Nebraska. Light wins.
Friday, December 19
Chanukah at Heritage with Ms. Nancy Rips
One of the most heartwarming celebrations of the whole week. We are bringing the Menorah, gelt, music and of course the latke truck to Heritage. If you are lucky you will catch live music too. It is a celebration filled with warmth, smiles and connection. A true highlight of the season.
Sunday Night, December 21
The Great Menorah Car Parade
We are finishing Chanukah off with a bang. Join us as we parade across the city with lit Menorahs mounted on our cars. It is one of the most joyous, uplifting and proudly Jewish moments of the year. If you have never been in the parade, make this the year. If you have done it before, you know there is nothing like it.
Chanukah is the time to step fully into our Jewish pride, loud and proud. This year choose to do something more than you have in the past. The world needs it. Your neshama needs it. Your family needs it.
And if you are having a hard time choosing which celebration to attend, we have consultants standing by to help you figure it out. You can also be brave and just come to all of them.
Chanukah 5786 is going to be the one your family talks about for years to come.
Let’s fill Omaha with light.
