Chabad of Clearwater enjoyed a spectacular Chanukah last week with the lighting of the world’s longest Menorah, a Jumbo Cookie Menorah, the Simply Tsfat band from Eretz Yisroel and mini golf, laser tag, bungee jumping and more.
In an email to the community Chabad of Clearwater’s Shliach Levi Hodakov wrote “If I had to describe Chanukah 5785 in Clearwater in two words it would be, “Simply Amazing”!”
And indeed it was.
The festivities were nothing short of spectacular! It all started with the unforgettable sight of several dozen community members gathering for the lighting of the world’s longest Menorah on Belcher Road in front of the Tabacinic Chabad Center on the first night. The busy road sees tens of thousands drive by daily. Tal Ezra, a resident of Clearwater and relative of freed hostage Noa Argamani, was honored with making the Brochos and lighting the 61.3 foot-long Menorah.
Then, on Thursday evening, the 2nd night of Chanukah, Coachman Park was abuzz with 400 people celebrating the miracle of Chanukah together with the Simply Tsfat band from Eretz Yisroel rocking the park and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector who lit the Shamash. Mr. Daniel Lipman, President of Westinghouse Electric’s nuclear reactors business unit was honored to make the Brochos and light the “World’s First Jumbo Cookie Menorah”.
A record four Mascots, The Tampa Bay Lightning’s ThunderBug, Raymond from the Rays, Phinley from the Clearwater Threshers and Chabad’s very own Mr. Dreidelman added to the excitement and festivities.
The guests thoroughly enjoyed the hot latkes and donuts and this years gelt drop combine with a Dreidel Hunt with the help of the Clearwater Fire Department saw a record 1000 chocolate coins and 300 colorful Dreidels showered on the crowd of 100 plus children in attendance.
Following the program, what is believed to be the first ever Minyan for Maariv was held in the park.
On Shabbos, Minyan and Kiddush lunch welcomed close to 30 community members, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness.
Chabad closed out the amazing Chanukah with a spectacular celebration at Celebration Station, a local fun spot with mini golf, laser tag, bungee jumping and more. Nearly 50 men, women, and children in attendance enjoyed the fun and Kosher hot dog dinner!
To top it all off, 9-foot menorahs were placed at the entrance to Pier 60 a very popular spot on world famous Clearwater Beach and Coachman park for the entire Chanukah, spreading the message and light of Chanukah to thousands.
Photos: Douglas R. Clifford
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