2011

Amidst the cold and wintery weather, Chabad celebrated Chanukah with warmth and joy. In the morning, students of Chabad's Hebrew School of the Arts braved the snow to bring Chanukah cheer to the Jewish residents of Eliot's Senior Home in Natick. Their acting and singing was enjoyed by all. Later that day, some more people braved the heavy snow to join in the Chanukah spirit downtown. The group built a menorah made out of cans which was lit and afterwards brought to the Metrowest Jewish Family Services Foodbank to be distributed to the needy. Many thanks to all those who helped make these events a success and to all who donated cans.

This past Monday, December 26, 2011, Natick celebrated 25 years of the Public Menorah Lighting downtown at the Natick Town Common. Former selectman, Mel Willens, the original selectman who helped get the Menorah started 25 years ago, recited the blessing as the crowd of over 120 joined in. State Representative, David Linsky as well as school committee member Karen Adelman Foster, helped light the Menorah. Flashing light-up Menorah necklaces, Hot Latkes, Hot Cocoa, and Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins) were distributed amidst the celebration. Thanks to Mark Stepner and Shmual Bollen for photos.

On Sunday, December 25, 2011, Chabad hit the rink for an unbelievable "Chanukah on Wheels!" celebrating its fourth Chanukah experience at Roller Kingdom. This time the Chabad Center of Natick joined together with three other Chabads, Sudbury, Westboro, and Worcester, to unite Jews from all those areas! Participants enjoyed roller skating, laser tag, arcade games, facepainting, and a Chanukah craft table! The fully Kosher menu, prepared by Sylvia Avinoam of Worcester, included delicious wraps, hot dogs, fries, latkes, and other Chanukah favorites. The Menorah was lit and a huge roller-dreidel game was played to the enjoyment of all. With almost 200 participants, the entire event was a Chanu

It was a girls night out of glamour and fun! The girls focused on both aspects of internal and external beauty through a variety of exciting Chanukah games and activities. They learned a basic skin care routine and got to take before/after pictures which were sent to them individually (not included in the publice album). They packaged gifts and made cards for people in shelters, and ended with a fun Chanukah party of donuts, dreidels, and the hidden connection of Chanukah and beauty! Thank you Karen and Rebecca Edwards, Chana Pinkwas and Shaindle Fogelman for making a beautiful program as well as Rina Moyal for helping out!