Mat-Su Jewish Centers hosts successful Chanukah on Unicycles event at Massay

PALMER — The Mat-Su Jewish Center celebrated Chanukah with the community by hosting the Champions Forever unicycling group at the Glenn Massay Theater Tuesday, Dec. 12.

"I think it went very, very well," Mat-Su Jewish Center Director Rabbi Mendy Greenberg said.

Champions Forever is a family of performers that appeared on "America's Got Talent" and toured 40 different countries with their colorful mix of unicycle stunts and basketball spinning tricks.

Five time Guinness World Record Holder Bruce Crevier, his wife Diane, and their children performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd Tuesday evening, even inviting some audience members to be a part of the action onstage.

"We thought they did a great job. They really engaged the crowd nicely I think," Greenberg said.

The Chanukah on Unicycles event also featured a buffet, crafts, games, vendors, and a menorah lighting. The event was all free and open to the public. Greenberg noted that the weather seemed to affect the overall turnout but there was still a fair number of attendees who were fully immersed in the festivities. Elected officials such as Cathy Tilton and DeLana Johnson also made an appearance.

"It was just a very warm, welcoming, and fun event," Greebberg said. "I think it says what Alaska is all about- what the Mat-Su Valley is all about. It was a true celebration of Chanukah."

The Mat-Su Jewish Center hosts public menorah lightings in front of the Valley Hotel each night of Chanukah. Each year, they also hold a large public gathering to celebrate the holiday with the community. Greenberg said the unicycle performance was a very fun and engaging form of entertainment for this year's event and they plan to keep inviting talented groups and individuals to help them celebrate Chanukah every holiday season.

"We want to bring very high class entertainment," Greenberg said.

Greenberg said this was the first time they've held the Chanukah celebration outside the Palmer Train Depot, noting that the Massay is a good middle ground for visitors across the Valley. He said they hope to continue utilizing the facility for future Chanukah events.

"A lot of people really liked it," Greenberg said. It's much bigger and much more spacious."

All visitors received two dimes with a charity box. Greenberg said the idea is to save one dime and give the other to charity. He said the hope is that the simple yet powerful act will inspire bigger and more frequent acts of kindness across the community. He said that seeing that cultivating goodness in people's hearts and sharing good deeds is what Chanukah is all about.

"Now we have to take the light and share it further," Greenberg said.

Friday, Dec. 15 is the final day of Chanukah.

"We may stop lighting the menorah Friday evening but the message continues," Greenberg said. "The good deeds have to continue increasing day by day."

For more information about the Mat-Su Jewish Center, visit matsujewishcenter.org.

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