Here comes Chanukah

WASILLA — Chanukah starts Sunday, Dec. 18, and wraps up Monday, Dec. 26.

The Mat-Su Jewish Center will once again host daily menorah lightings and other community events this holiday season.

“We are extremely excited to gather the community together,” Mat-Su Jewish Center Director Rabbi Mendy Greenberg said.

The public is invited to join Greenberg, his family, and local members of the Jewish faith each of the eight nights of Chanukah to light one of the candles on a large public menorah and pray together in front of the Valley Hotel.

Greenberg said that he’s thrilled to keep this annual tradition going. He noted this year will be even more exciting and memorable because they have special guests flying up all the way from Chigaco.

The Chicago Boyz (as seen on America’s Got Talent) is putting on an acrobatic performance at the Palmer Train Depot Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30. This event will be free and open to the public.

“We’re very excited they’re coming. It’s a very big deal. You don’t want to miss such a beautiful event,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg encourages everyone across the Mat-Su Valley to focus on the meaning of Chanukah even if they’re not Jewish. He said the timeless morals of doing good deeds, sharing experiences with loved ones, and focusing on the positives in our lives are all great ways to spend the holidays.

“Every day of Chanukah we increase the light,” Greenberg said. “The message of Chanukah is relevant to all.”

Greenberg noted that if anyone needs a menorah, candles, or more information about the holiday, they are more than welcome to stop by for a visit.

“We would love to help them out to get ready for Chanukah,” Greenberg said.

Daily menorah lightings are scheduled for various times throughout the 2022 Chanukah season. To view this year’s schedule, visit matsujewishcenter.org.

For more information, call 907-350-1787.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com