Alameda – Temple Israel of Alameda, the AUSD’s Jewish Roundtable, and the South Shore Mall Management invite the public to attend the 6th Annual Menorah Lighting Celebration on Wednesday, December 14, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, in the center court area of South Shore Mall, Alameda.

Rabbi Cynthia Minster of Temple Israel leads the event. Honored attendees include Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, members of the Alameda City Council and School Board, the Alameda Fire Chief, leaders from the Alameda Police Department, and The PJ Library.

“Now more than ever, sharing Jewish space with the wider community is deeply meaningful,” said Rabbi Minster adding, “I’m looking forward to celebrating the last night of Hanukah with friends and neighbors. Making space for difference makes Alameda a stronger and healthier community.”

This fun-filled annual event features a crafts station for the kids and music by the klezmer band The Chelm All-Stars. Enjoy sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts only made at Hanukkah), bagels from the Bagel St. Café, and light refreshments from Rita’s Italian Ice. The menorah is on permanent display in the mall and each night during Hanukkah a new candle is lit around 5 pm for people to enjoy.

The Menorah Lighting event is the brainchild of Color Me Mine owner, Mike Berkowitz, who is also a member of Temple Israel. “I wanted to create a community space for everyone to come together and celebrate Hanukkah while bringing more people to their local mall instead of shopping all online,” said Berkowitz.

This outdoor event is free and open to the public. The center court area is located in the middle of the mall near Trabocco Restaurant and Daiso. Do your holiday shopping in the mall. 

For more information, please contact office@templeisraelalameda.org. Temple Israel, a Reform congregation, has been the center of the Jewish Community in the city of Alameda since 1920.