9-FOOT MENORAH TO LIGHT UP EAST COUNTY ON DEC. 9 AT GROSSMONT CENTER AS PART OF WORLD'S LARGEST CHANUKAH OBSERVANCE

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Chabad of East County To Light Up One of 10,000 Public Menorahs Worldwide, Symbolizing Universal Message of Religious Freedom

December 3, 2012 (La Mesa)--Chabad of East County will ignite a public 9-ft menorah erected at Grossmont Shopping Center, followed by a community-wide celebration on the second night of Chanukah, on Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m.

The ceremony will feature Congresswoman Susan Davis and La Mesa Councilman Ernie Ewin. Prior to the menorah lighting ceremony, a ventriloquist will perform. Traditional holiday foods, music, dreidels and more will also be provided.

The ceremony will be dedicated in honor of Mary Greenbaum, a pillar of the San Diego Jewish community, who spearheaded Jewish education for over 30 years.

The public menorah lighting was organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Rafi Andrusier, Director, Chabad of East County, who remarked, "The Menorah serves as a symbol of America's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in the United States, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles."

Dr. Leah Brass of S. Diego, CA, who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting, commented, "I want my child to grow up with pride in his Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as an American Jew. Chabad's Chanukah Menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments to assist in my child's education. I wish I had had this experience when I grew up."

Grossmont's menorah is one of thousands of large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.

Throughout the State of California, Chabad will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, giant menorahs made out of ice and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel  Houses, "Chanukah Wonderlands" and more.

To find a local event in San Diego or practically anywhere throughout  the world, visit www.JewishEC.com/ChanukahEvents. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit JewishEC.com/Chanukah.

WHERE: Grossmont Shopping Center, next to Bath & Body Works. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942

WHY: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory more than 2,100 years


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