Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, for many of us brings back fond memories of childhood years and serves to renew our sense of identity. The Chanukah lights provide us with warmth, joy, strength and inspiration. Such is the purpose of a communitywide celebration to be held at the Park at City Center this Chanukah.

The universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness shines at this special holiday time.

The Chabad Jewish Center invites the entire community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at the fourth annual public Menorah lighting ceremony. The grand Chanukah celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the Downtown Woodstock Park with the lighting of the 10-foot menorah, followed by music and delicious, hot latkes.

People of all ages will enjoy singing traditional Chanukah songs like “Rock of Ages” and “The Dreidel Song.” Public dignitaries and community leaders will attend the ceremony and will assist in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom.”

Chanukah, a celebration for all time, is highlighted by the kindling of the menorah each night of the holiday. "It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition," said Rabbi Zalman Charytan, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. "In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

Chabad centers all around the world are dedicated to spreading light and goodness in their respective communities. Chabad’s answer to the darkness and destruction is an increase in light and warmth. Each year the Chabad Jewish Center hosts a communitywide Chanukah celebration where the message of religious freedom is brought to the street. In its Chanukah outreach campaign, the Chabad Jewish Center joins thousands of Chabad centers across the globe that are staging similar public displays of the menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Coluombia to Hong Kong, New York City’s Ground Zero to the White House lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Chanukah with Chabad.

Join the community at a public display of unity at this exciting menorah lighting ceremony. Bring the kids and make this your special Chanukah celebration. Also, we are more than happy to provide a Chanukah lesson/program for your child’s school or group.

For more information, contact the Chabad Jewish Center at 678-460-7702, email info@jewishwoodstock.com, or visit www.JewishWoodstock.com.