Chabad hosts Chanukah party Dec. 29 at Rusty Parker and Black Cap
Also: State House menorah lighting planned for Thursday
December 23, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Last year’s menorah display in downtown Waterbury. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
For the third year, members of the local Chabad of Stowe and Waterbury Jewish community will host a giant menorah in downtown Waterbury to mark the eight days of Chanukah’s Festival of Lights.
Chanukah begins at sundown on Dec. 25, ending on Jan. 2. On the fifth night, Saturday, Dec. 29, Chabad of Stowe invites the community to a special celebration at Rusty Parker Memorial Park for the menorah lighting that day.
The event will begin at 4 p.m. and include lighting a new candle on the large menorah in the park. The celebration with music, traditional sweet treats, hot cocoa, and crafts for kids will continue indoors at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery.
“We'll gather in unity and light the giant 12-foot menorah together and partake in all of the traditional Chanukah deliciousness – donuts, latkes, chocolate coins and more,” the event announcement says.
Attendees will receive gift bags with dreidels, crafts and a small menorah.
“Our noses may be a little frosty, but with community togetherness and a public display of beaming Jewish pride like no other, our souls will be warm and bright,” writes Sara Greenberg of Chabad.
Thursday, Dec. 26: Montpelier menorah lighting at the State House
Gov. Phil Scott on Monday announced that the public is invited to the annual State House Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 4:30 p.m. on the State House lawn.
The ceremony will be on the second night of Hanukkah and will be led by Rabbi Eliyahu Junik. The festive tradition includes live music, latkes, sufganiyot, and games of dreidel. Gov. Scott will also read a Hanukkah story to children in his State House office. All are invited.