BOWIE, Md. — In a historic first for the city, Chabad of Bowie ignited a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah erected outdoors at the Bowie Senior Center, on Sunday, December 29. The ceremony, organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Eli Baron, with the assistance of Community Services, City of Bowie, was attended by a large crowd of approximately 50 people of all ages, from Bowie and its surroundings. The menorah lighting ceremony was preceded by an LED juggling act, and was followed by a Hanukkah sing-along and dance. Participants were then welcomed indoors for oil-based foods, traditionally eaten on Hanukkah, like donuts and latkes (potato patties), and hot drinks. Children were treated to special Hanukkah crafts.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of the City of Bowie’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” said Rabbi Baron.
“Events like a large menorah lighting are not only exciting for my small children, but allows us the space to talk about why we celebrate this holiday and strengthen their Jewish pride” said Nikki Sherman of Bowie.
“I was so excited to find that Chabad has arrived here, so my small children can have more opportunities to engage with their Jewish heritage and community.”
This year’s celebrations carry added significance as they mark 50 years since the first public menorah which was lit at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in 1974. The public menorah was lit after the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, launched the worldwide Hanukkah campaign in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle.
“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Baron. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”
Today, the unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival. Bowie’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.
Rabbi Eli and Mushky Baron and their 3 young children arrived to establish Chabad in Bowie 4 months ago. Soon after, they hosted Rosh Hashanah dinner and services, continuing with Shabbat services every 3rd Saturday — accompanied by educational children’s programs — and adult education classes every 2nd Tuesday evening. Chabad has also been hosting families for traditional Friday night dinners.
For more information about Chabad of Bowie and its programming, visit ChabadBowie.com, or email rabbi@chabadbowie.com