2000 Jews Unite at Sydney Chanuka Celebration

Sydney Australia’s North Shore community united on the fourth night of Chanukah with over 2200 people celebrating at “Chanuka on the Green” with special activities for young and old alike.

Photos: Noel Kessel

The North Shore community in Sydney, Australia united on the fourth night of Chanukah with over 2200 people celebrating at “Chanukah on the Green” in true community spirit with young and old alike.

A real family event, there was something for everyone. Amusement rides and stalls, giant slide and a mini-ferris wheel, a petting zoo and game booths, kids crafts and Dreidel decorating, as well as the chance to meet and greet with the Rural Fire Services. The event also featured two exceptional stunt shows by the Fearless Stunt Team, which included fire blowing, breakdancing, breathtaking balancing acts and so much more.

Musical performances by the Menachem Feldman Band engaged and uplifted the crowd and brought the spirit and joy of Chanukah and to all. In addition, Masada College band performed, with local students displaying their talents and skills. Attendees also enjoyed an array of delicious food, including a well-stocked barbeque and Chanukah delicacies, such as hot latkes and fresh doughnuts. Community stalls included Ganeinu Long Day Care and Preschool, Masada College, BJE, COA, Maccabi, Rivka’s Mobile Library and Hatzalah.

One of the highlights of the event was the giant Menorah lighting by Shliach Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, Rabbi Paul Lewin and The Hon. Jonathan O’Dea MP, State Member for Davidson, and Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly. A number of local Councillors joined the Rabbis on stage prior to the lighting.

This annual event is organised by Chabad North Shore who have been disseminating the message of Chanukah across the North Shore and beyond for 32 years. The Rebbe encouraged the public display of Menorahs across the world with the aim to publicize one of the key lessons of Chanukah, to shine light as a means to dispel darkness, an extremely relevant and timely message for all.

Special thanks to major sponsor Woolworths Supermarkets and community partners who promoted the event: Masada College, North Shore Synagogue, Kehillat Masada, Ohr Hatzafon and BJE. An extra special thank-you to Shluchim Rabbi Chanoch Sufrin, Rabbi Mendy and Chanie Schapiro, and all our hard-working and dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this event.

Chabad North Shore has coordinated Chanukah displays at Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Hornsby, Westfield Warringah Mall and St Ives Shopping Village.