Mat-Su Jewish Center kicks off Chanukah celebrations with the community

PALMER — Chanukah is officially underway. The Mat-Su Jewish Center is hosting two community events in Palmer and Wasilla with nightly lightings at public menorahs.

On the second night of Chanukah, Mat-Su Jewish Center Director Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, his family, and several members of the community gathered in front of the Valley Hotel to light the menorah and pray together.

“It was a beautiful event,” Greenberg said.

The Mat-Su Jewish Center hosted a community gathering at the Palmer Pavillion Tuesday, Nov. 30. Greenberg said they added a new public event in Wasilla to this year’s Chanukah celebrations. They will gather at the Menard Sports Center parking lot Sunday, Dec. 5. He said there will be a public ceremony with guests such as Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford and a special event featuring service vehicles such as those driven by the Alaska State Troopers.

Greenberg Chanukah is a time of reflection and represents prevailing through the darkness with our inner light.

“Here in Alaska, I think we know darkness better than anybody,” Greenberg said. “The message of Chanukah is really to focus on the positives, to light a candle of truth, hope, holiness, spirituality, kindness, and goodness.”

There are several public menorahs across the Valley. They’re located at Wasilla Lake, downtown Palmer in front of the Valley Hotel, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, and the Menard Sports Center. Greenberg said there’s another public menorah that’s mobile since they adorned their family vehicle with the traditional Jewish candle cradle, giving them the chance to spread the holiday cheer wherever they go.

“Be the menorah. Be the candle and shine the light and you’ll see how much that really makes a difference,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg noted that if anyone needs a menorah or candles they have plenty at the Mat-Su Jewish Center.

For more information, call 907-350-1787, email admin@matsujewishcenter.org, or visit matsujewishcenter.

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