Vaughan invites community to celebrate Chanukah with menorah lighting at city hall

City of Vaughan holding two Hanukkah ceremonies the week of Dec. 10 with its annual menorah lighting ceremony taking place on Monday, Dec. 11 at city hall

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 30, 2023
Brian Capitao

The City of Vaughan will once again hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at City Hall in commemoration of Hanukkah.

The event will take place on Monday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Vaughan Room of Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.

Chanukah is an eight-day holiday celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Joined by Mayor Steven Del Duca and members of council will be Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, founder and spiritual leader of Chabad Flamingo, who will preside over the ceremony. The ceremony will also include a performance by the Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad Boys Choir.

“As we gather together this season in celebration of Chanukah, I wish the Jewish community a happy Festival of Lights. Everyone is invited to join the city’s Menorah-lighting ceremony at Vaughan City Hall and a Chanukah Celebration at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre to mark this special time,” said Mayor Del Duca.

Del Duca also addressed the recent rise of antisemitism, adding, “This year, more than ever, we also stand united against all forms of hate and intolerance -- including antisemitism, which has no place in our community. On behalf of my family and the City of Vaughan, I want to extend my best wishes during this Chanukah season for health, happiness and prosperity.”

The City of Vaughan is also hosting another Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10 as part of the grand reopening event at the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, at 501 Clark Ave. W., following extensive renovations. The event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the Chanukah celebration starting at 5 p.m. The broader reopening festivities will include refreshments and on-site activities such as an interactive DJ, a colouring mural and a balloon artist. There will also be formal remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.