The Charlotte Jewish News- November 2026- Page 14
Gad Elbaz to Headline Chanukah Concert at Carolina Theatre
Chanukah in Charlotte has long been about more than lighting the menorah. For years, Chabad of Charlotte has brought Jewish life into the broader community through public observances, concerts and family festivals. This year, that tradition will take center stage.
On Dec. 6, the third night of Chanukah, Israeli singer Gad Elbaz will perform at the newly restored Carolina Theatre in uptown Charlotte.
Known internationally for his energetic performances and the hit song“ Hashem Melech,” Elbaz will bring contemporary Israeli music to the Carolina Theatre for an evening centered on Chanukah, Jewish identity and solidarity with Israel.
Organizers say the celebration draws on Chanukah’ s enduring story of preserving Jewish identity, with a message they sum up simply: Am Yisrael Chai, the Jewish people live.
The Carolina Theatre lends the evening its own sense of history and grandeur. Opened in 1927 on North Tryon Street, it became one of Charlotte’ s premier entertainment destinations, hosting generations of moviegoers and some of the era’ s most famous performers.
Israeli superstar Gad Elbaz will perform this December at the newly restored Carolina Theatre in Uptown Charlotte.
Elvis Presley appeared there in 1956, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra held its inaugural concert there in 1932. After closing in 1978, the landmark remained dormant for decades before reopening in March 2025 following an extensive restoration.
The concert continues Chabad of Charlotte’ s long-standing tradition of marking Chanukah in public spaces across the city. Its festivities have ranged from menorah lightings and holiday events at SouthPark, the Arboretum and Carolina Place to festivals at Symphony Park. Music has also played a prominent role, with performances by the Jewish music group 8th Day and a sold-out show by Nissim Black at the Meridian Hotel in uptown Charlotte.
For Chabad, bringing Gad Elbaz to the Carolina Theatre marks the next chapter in that tradition, giving families a public setting in which to celebrate Chanukah and pass its traditions, customs and values to the next generation.
Gad Elbaz will perform Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at the Carolina Theatre in uptown Charlotte. Tickets start at $ 25, including fees, and are available at chabadnc. org / concert. For sponsorship opportunities, visit chabadnc. org / sponsor. For more information about Chabad of Charlotte, visit chabadnc. org or email rabbicohen @ chabadnc. org.
WE SHARE THE NAMES AND STORIES OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHOSE MEMORIES REMAIN A BLESSING
LOIS SCHNEIDER 8-20-1944 TO 9-6-2026
MARILYN ROTH 8-29-1936 TO 9-8-2026
LAWRENCE PROSONO 5-4-1947 TO 9-17-2026
BARBARA MOSES 12-21-1948 TO 9-18-2026
JUDITH LECKER 9-8-1952 TO 9-29-2026
HAROLD ROBINS 6-27-1990 TO 9-30-2026