Chanukah Recap!
Councilman Bill Barnett of Naples welcomed hundreds of people from Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities who gathered at Chabad of Naples on the seventh night of Chanukah (Tuesday, December 3).
Mayor John Sorey seemed very grateful that this year he didn't have to be carried up in the air on a scissors lift, to light the Chanukah candles. A very high ladder seemed challenging but a little less daunting, he said.
In collaboration with resident master artist Maurice Tordgman, a stunning 20-foot tall, 16-foot wide Menorah covered with sea life and topped by dolphins, was created by students of Chabad's Preschool of the Arts,
For the first time in Naples history, the evening began with a Chanukah Parade of Light, involving approximately 100 cars bearing lighted Menorahs, some of them broadcasting traditional music. Guided by the Naples Police Department, the parade seemed to please many startled bystanders who stood at the side of the streets, waving and calling "Happy Chanukah" to the drivers. As a bonus, Naples Luxury Imports donated the use of a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, a 2014 Maserati Ghibli, a 3014 Maserati Quattroporte, a 2014 Rolls Royce, and a 2014 Bentley Flying Spur, allowing two of them to be driven by winners of a raffle. Also participating were some antique cars and since it was an equal opportunity parade, automobiles of very size, shape, color, and religious persuasion.
Following the lighting of seven candles, the audience was treated to songs by the Chabad Hebrew School students. As Ettie Zaklos, Director of the Preschool said, what could bring more light to your life than your children! Then everyone visited the various booths assembled around the Chabad campus to a background of live music, singing and dancing. Of course the traditional potato latkes and special sufganiot, the delicious filled donuts were available along with crafts and activities and a jump house for the children.
Chanukah is all about light -- bringing light/enlightenment to the community and Chabad Naples certainly succeeded.