Mat-Su Jewish Center celebrating Chanukah with public Menorah lighting and fireworks show

WASILLA — Mat-Su Jewish Center Rabbi Mendy Greenberg gathered with several community members in front of Valley Hotel to light a large menorah Thursday evening, the first day of Chanukah.

“It was a good start,” Greenberg said.

The Menorah in front of Valley Hotel is one of three community Menorahs across the Valley. There’s one at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and another at Wasilla Lake. The public is encouraged to visit any of the Menorahs during the eight days of Chanukah as well as any of their lighting ceremonies each evening.

The Mat-Su Jewish Center is hosting a public Menorah lighting and fireworks show at the pavilion in downtown Palmer Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Those who attend will be able to spectate from their vehicles, or on foot as long as they’re wearing masks and stay socially distanced. There will be several sanitation stations with masks and hand sanitizer. Greenberg noted that local dignitaries will share holiday greetings at the event.

In previous years, the Jewish Center held community Chanukah celebrations at the Palmer Train Depot. Greenberg said that he was relieved they were able to keep the candle of their cherished community tradition lit with social distancing and an outdoor venue.

“Due to COVID, we were unsure we would be able to continue this Valley tradition, and we are so grateful to be able to find a safer, outdoor solution that is even more exciting than previous years,” Greenberg said. “Usually we had done it every year at the Palmer Train Depot, and every year we had a beautiful turnout. We had over 300 people the last five years at our Chanukah events. But this year, because of COVID, we wanted to make sure it would be something safe and something everyone would be able to enjoy, to give everyone a reason to leave their houses… We’re hoping this will really be a nice substitute for what we do every year and we’re encouraging everyone here in the Valley to come and join.”

Greenberg said that everyone is invited to celebrate Chanukah with them and meditate on the positive values the Festival of Lights represents. He said this year is especially important to spread the message of fighting darkness with light.

“The message of light, the message of the Chanukah Menorah is very powerful,” Greenberg said. “Whether you celebrate the holiday or not… It’s a message for everyone to focus on the positive… That’s why we have our three public displays.”

Several community members including Randi Perlman attended the Thursday lighting and helped with the ceremonies.

“I’m honored to be part of the Menorah lighting every year. Chanukah is the Festival of Lights, a wondrous event, especially this challenging year. I appreciate Rabbi Mendy and Chaya being here in the Valley, bringing light and warmth to the entire community, and in so doing, bringing the community closer together.”

Greenberg said that he was thankful for Valley Hotel owner Janet Kincaid’s annual generosity allowing them to use her property as a site for one of the public menorahs.

“People like that make this happen,” Greenberg said.

The Mat-Su Jewish Center’s public lighting ceremony and fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at fb.me/e/1P19jZVbu.

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