2025 CJN December | Page 15

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The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 15

Celebrating 45 Years of Light, Unity, and Jewish Pride at Symphony Park

By Mackenzie Berry
As we approach the Festival of Lights, Chabad of Charlotte invites the community to join one of its most cherished traditions— the annual Chanukah Celebration at Symphony Park. This year’ s event holds special meaning as Chabad of Charlotte marks 45 years of spreading light, building community and sharing the beauty of Jewish life with pride and joy.
On the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p. m., the community will gather to celebrate shared heritage with music, dancing, latkes, doughnuts and joy. On this first night of Chanukah, the atmosphere will once again be filled with laughter, song and the warmth of togetherness that has defined the Chabad family since its earliest days.
At the heart of the evening will be the grand menorah lighting, a powerful symbol of light overcoming darkness. As the giant menorah’ s flames rise into the night sky, they will illuminate not just the park, but the spirit of resilience and faith that unites us all. We will sing together, celebrate together and reaffirm the theme that has carried through all Chabad events this year—“ Strength and Resilience Through Jewish Unity.”
For 45 years, Chabad of Charlotte has stood as a beacon of strength and light in the community— welcoming every Jew with love, regardless of background or affiliation, and reminding us that our greatest power lies in our togetherness. This Chanukah, we celebrate not only the miracle of oil that lasted eight days, but also the miracle of a community that continues to shine brightly decade after decade.
The evening will feature live music, performances, activities for children and traditional Chanukah treats prepared with care. It is a celebration for every age and stage— from the youngest child eagerly watching the candles flicker to the grandparents who helped lay the foundations of this vibrant community so many years ago.
Chanukah stands out in the way it is celebrated. The light of the menorah shines outward to illuminate the darkness with the bright and pure light of the Chanukah candles. This is especially true today, when confusion and darkness rage around the world. On Chanukah, we are reminded of a timeless teaching:“ Even a little bit of light dispels much darkness, and a bit of wisdom eradicates much foolishness.” Let’ s make this Chanukah the brightest one yet.
As the community prepares for this milestone celebration, Chabad invites everyone not only to attend, but to participate. The event is powered by the dedication of volunteers who make it all possible— from setting up and greeting guests to serving
food and ensuring the evening runs smoothly. Whether you’ ve joined for years or are visiting Symphony Park for the first time, there is a place for you in one of Charlotte’ s most beloved Jewish traditions.
Let us come together once again to celebrate our faith, our history and our enduring spirit. May the lights of Chanukah inspire us all to bring more goodness and kindness into the world, and may we continue to strengthen one another through unity and pride.
For more information, visit chabadnc. org or call 704-366- 3984.

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