Though quite different from other years (2020-Covid), this past Chanukah was exciting, inspiring, impactful, and fun for so many people of all ages, through the programs and efforts of the Chabad Center in Natick.
Sunday there was the Chanukah Car Parade with Police escort, car-top
menorahs for some and flags for all. Each family who signed up got a goodie bag especially prepared for them with Sufganiot, light-up Menorah necklaces, chocolate coins, a few other items and a page with the parade map and a QR code for Chanukah Parade music. It was quite a sight to see the people with surprised and excited expressions waving, as the parade of 30 or so cars drove through town. Finally we reached the Natick Town Common where everyone found their parking spot and came out. It was clear from the large crowd that showed up – all masked and spread out - how much people wanted to be there and felt the need to celebrate. A Fire 
Department lieutenant lit the Shamash and Daniel Waleik lit the Menorah. Following the blessings and the Maoz Tzur, the Rabbi Levi Fogelman’s powerful message of strength, hope and light, reverberated through the Common.
On Monday, Chabad visited the Avenu Apartments where a Chanukah gathering had been scheduled in advance. A good number of people who
participated in the celebration spread out between the main room and a few 
side rooms which opened to the main room. (Everyone was carefully spread out for safety reasons of course as well as masked. ) One of the residents lit the Menorah as everyone answered “Amen” to the blessings and sang some Chanukah songs. The Menorah light up wrist bands and Chanukah Gelt which were given out made a huge hit. Everyone was also excited to watch through the large windows as the cool Chabad Menorah Jeep Car Menorah was changing colors.
On Tuesday night the Mill Street apartments got a visit from Chabad. In other years the gathering took place indoors. This year Gazebo outside was offered as a meeting place. Whereas the indoor parties in the past drew a larger crowd, there were a few people who braved the cold and came out to celebrate.
On Wednesday night, Chabad brought the joy of Chanukah to Traditions in Wayland. Michael and Hadassah Milman came with their Car Menorah as well as a large Menorah from Chabad and light-up Menorah wristbands and
gelt. Thanks to the Milmans who above all came with their warm hearts and words of inspiration, the people at Traditions got to feel the joy of Chanukah that night.
On Thursday evening, the Chabad Center joined with several other Chabads to share a fun and light evening with the community via zoom. Ilan Smith, S. Africa’s top Illusionist, entertained and managed to be quite interactive even as a virtual show. He also shared a meaningful message during the show. The evening started off with a menorah lighting and a few words of Torah, which was then followed by the show.
For several days during the week there was also the Chanukah-Give End-of-Year Campaign which turned out to be very successful. We posted a list of all our wonderful donors on the website, please click here to see, as well as in the emails you received.
Leading up to Chanukah, the Menorah Art Exhibit drew in contestants who designed beautiful Menorahs. During Chanukah, people came to Chabad to view the exhibit and place their vote for winner into a pre-arranged box. Each contestant did a great job – the creativity was evident. The winner of the $200 prize was Lily Friedman.
Then there was the Chanukah Story Trail… Spread out over the Chabad property in the front near the walkway, pages of the book “Chanukah Night.
Number Three” were arranged on lawn signs. Besides the locals who pass by regularly and got a kick out of it, there were young families who heard about it and drove over especially to experience and enjoy the Chanukah Story Trail.
And last but not least, throughout Chanukah, each day and evening, and even on the snow day, the Chabad Menorah Jeep went from house to house throughout Natick and the nearby towns, delivering Chanukah packages with all kinds of goodies. Each visit also 
included some interactive gaming and fun with the LED color lights of the Menorah. Between the Parade packages and the Chanukah treats prepared for the Menorah Jeep Car which was visiting all around town - hundreds of people got to enjoy the Chanukah spirit delivered to them.
We thank all those who have helped spread the light throughout Chanukah. Thanks to the Chabad Staff, Rabbi Levi and Chanie Fogelman, and Rabbi Dovid and Shternie Zaltzman, for planning and implementing the many creative programs. It took a lot of wonderful team effort! Special thanks also to Karen Edwards who was very involved in planning some of the events and helped tremendously prepare for the Car Parade. A big shout-out and thanks to Gary Waleik for everything to do with the Menorah, getting it down-town, setting up down-town for the Menorah lighting, getting the Menorah out in front of Chabad, getting it all back into place afterwards, and everything in between. Thank you also to Irit Mael for helping prepare the Chanukah packages for the house visits. Thanks to Alon Yaari for all the help with the Menorah Jeep including the technology needed for the activities. Thanks to Michael and Hadassah Milman for visiting Traditions and to Hadassah for all the help with publicity. Thanks to Shaya Cohen, our visiting guest who helped with the home visits and other things. We are grateful to the Natick Fire Department who are always supportive and send representatives to the Menorah lighting as well as to the Natick Police Department for all they do including sending their police detail to join us at the head of the Car Parade.
