Event No. 2 – November 28th (Thanksgiving day) 2013, The Chabad Austin celebrates the first night of Chanukah by lighting the menorah at the historic State Capitol.
This Chanukah was a unique opportunity for Chabad of Austin to light the menorah and have the "Center Stage" so to speak. For this year, Chanukah occured at the same time as Thanksgiving. This provided us an special window of opportunity. Since this is not scheduled to happen for another 79,000+ years, it was a once in many lifetimes event. Above, Rabbi Mendy Levertov finishes the task of final lighting preparations.
The weather could not have been better. If you know Austin you can really appreciate the autumns here. Cool, crisp and "the sky is not cloudy all day." Additionally, because it was Thanksgiving Day, our group had the City and Capitol practically to ourselves.
State Representative Elliott Naishtat and the Rebbetzin Rochel Levertov. Note the lone red electrical cord in the corner. Representative Naishtat graciously helped get it installed. Chabad normally uses the Capitol's annual Christmas Tree's electrical line for our lights as well.
Representative Elliott Naishtat represented the State of Texas, Arguably, he was just as appreciated as the Governor is, when he has helped light the menorah in past years.
State Representative Elliott Naishtat lighting the menorah on the first night of Chanukah 2013.
Rabbi Yosef Levertov chants a celebratory benediction, while also participating in a Chabad global celebration of Chanukah. Chabad's distinctive menorahs are publicly lit throughout the world annually as we reach this time.
The Rebbetzin Rochel Levertov, her son, Rabbi Mendy Levertov and Representative Elliott Naishtat.
Levi Levertov, Rabbi Yosef Levertov, and Rabbi Mendy Levertov.
Rabbi Mendy Levertov helped set the festive tone and everyone started to celebrate Chabad style.
By the way, celebrating Chabad style fits very well in Austin, "The Nation's (World's) Capital of Live Music".
The men celebrating Chabad style.
The women celebrating Chabad style.
Even our youngest guests helped celebrate this festive holiday while proudly displaying their knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish learning (יידדישקעיט).
The Rebbetzin graciously provided delicious homemade latkes and donuts while dedicated members of Austin's Chabad community helped serve our guests.
Several generations turned out for the annual Texas Capitol's festivities.
Out came the Dreidels and "Chanukah Gelt" and a millennia old tradition is again passed on to a new generation.
The Rabbi Yosef Levertov took the time to give an interview to a local television station.
Many members of our local Jewish, multi ethnic community turned out for this year's Texas Capitol festivities.
Blog author, Stephen Bornstein with Rabbi Yosef Levertov.
The Rabbis and community guests took time for their evening prayers (אָוונט תפילות) at the gate to the Capitol's grounds.
With the menorah all alone on center stage, this was a Chanukah to remember.
Chabad of Austin is proud to be a participant in the annual global celebration of Chanukah by lighting the menorah in very public spaces. These public menorah lightings were initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and take place in thousands of locals around the world.
Chabad Menorahs Around the Globe.
From Paris to Buenos Aires, Cairo to California, Madrid to Moscow, public Menorahs light up cities and towns around the globe. Visit 30 of these Menorahs.
Chabad Austin's home page.
Explore the wealth of Jewish culture with Chabad Austin Torah Studies.
Discover the diversity of Jewish studies right here in Austin with Chabad's Yeshiva Experience.
Keep up with the Chabad Austin family through our Facebook page.
Learn about programs for the youngest members of our community at Chabad Austin's Hebrew Preparatory School Bais Menachem .
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