Full Breakdown
Public Menorah Lightings Celebrate Hanukkah in Southern California
12/16/2025, 7:58:56 PM
Overview of Hanukkah Celebrations
Free public menorah lightings are set to take place across Los Angeles and Orange counties to mark the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which begins on Sunday. Events will be held in Culver City, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach, featuring various activities and community engagement.
Key Events and Locations
The main event will occur at The Culver Steps in Culver City, starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. This celebration will include live music, a magic show, traditional foods such as latkes and doughnuts, and craft-making opportunities. Children attending will receive gifts, courtesy of the Jewish Community of Culver City-Chabad, which is organizing this event along with three others in the area. Additional menorah lightings will occur throughout the week, including:
- Monday: 5 p.m. at Platform LA
- Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. at Ivy Station
- Wednesday: 7 p.m. at The Shay Hotel
In Santa Monica, nightly menorah lightings will take place at 5 p.m. on the Third Street Promenade, continuing through the eighth night of Hanukkah. Other events include a menorah-lighting ceremony at Fashion Island’s Atrium Garden Court and a surfboard menorah lighting at Laguna Main Beach.
Historical Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees over the Hellenist Syrian forces in 165 B.C. The festival is celebrated by lighting candles in a menorah, with an additional candle lit each night for eight nights. The miracle of Hanukkah is rooted in the story of a small amount of oil that lasted eight days, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Security Measures
In light of recent events, including a mass killing at a Hanukkah event in Australia, local law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, will enhance security measures at Jewish facilities and events. Police are advising local religious institutions to review their security protocols to ensure the safety of participants.
Community Engagement and Traditions
The menorah lightings aim to foster community spirit and remind passersby of the holiday's significance. Traditional activities during Hanukkah include spinning a dreidel and enjoying foods fried in oil, such as latkes and jelly doughnuts. The practice of giving Hanukkah "gelt," or money, to children has evolved into a broader tradition of gift-giving during the holiday season.
Official Statements & Responses
Rabbi Noah Farkas, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of miracles in Jewish tradition, stating, “Miracles exist in our actions.” This sentiment reflects the broader theme of Hanukkah as a time for reflection and community rebuilding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every Hanukkah, we spin the toy top called a dreidel upon which are inscribed the words, 'Nes gadol haya sham,’ translated as, 'A great miracle happened there.’ Or, as our family and friends in Israel say, 'A great miracle happened here,’” — Rabbi Noah Farkas, President & CEO of Jewish Federation Los Angeles
- “They happened in ancient times, when a people oppressed and dispossessed, looked out upon a world of smoldering rubble and said, 'Let us build again.’ Miracles exist in our actions.” — Rabbi Noah Farkas
These public menorah lightings not only celebrate the festival of lights but also serve as a reminder of community resilience and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
