Temple Israel of Alameda and the South Shore Mall Management invite the public to attend the 8th Annual Menorah Lighting Celebration on Wednesday, December 17, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, in the center court area of South Shore Mall in Alameda.

Honored attendees will be many elected officials, including Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, County Supervisor Lena Tam, council and school board members, and the Chiefs of both the Alameda Fire and Police Departments.

This fun-filled annual event features a Glam Booth, crafts station for the kids, dreidel playing, a sing-a-long, dancing and music by the klezmer band The Chelm All-Stars. Enjoy sufganiyot (jelly donuts that are a Hanukkah tradition), bagels from the Bagel St. Café, and light refreshments from Rita’s Italian Ice.

The menorah is on display in the mall, and each night during Hanukkah, a new candle is lit on this menorah around 5 pm for people to enjoy. The Menorah Lighting event is the brainchild of Color Me Mine owner, Mike Berkowitz, who is 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 support their local mall instead of shopping 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.

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