SALT LAKE CITY — The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced folks from Chabad Lubavitch of Utah to hold their menorah car celebration outdoors, but it is not what is keeping them there.
“We have a tremendous number of events inside this time of year … and those aren’t in lieu of Saturday’s parade,” said Rabbi Avremi Zippel, from Chabad Lubavitch of Utah. “Folks have had a great time with the car parade, and it has grown each year — so it is still outside.”
In 2020, amid the pandemic, leaders at Chabad Lubavitch of Utah organized a menorah car parade as a way for families to celebrate Hanukkah together but remain separated and avoid the spread of disease. But the tradition continues, even without distance requirements.
The Menorah is a candleholder with multiple branches used during Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. The eight branches hold a candle that will be lit each night during Hanukkah gatherings.
On Saturday night, a truck will carry a large menorah from Chabad Lubavitch to Abranavel Hall, where a large Menorah has been erected for the festivities. At the completion site is where and when the menorah’s fourth candle will be lit, representing the fourth of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Menorah Car Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 28.
When: Starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Begins at Chabad of Utah (1760 S. 1100 East) and concludes at Abravanel Hall Plaza (123 S. West Temple).
Who: The Downtown SLC Car Menorah Parade is open to the public, free of charge.
All are welcome to the lighting, not only those who celebrate Hanukkah, as an opportunity to learn more about Salt Lake City’s Jewish neighbors and acknowledge its existence in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
According to U.S. Census data, a Jewish population has existed in Utah since the 1850s and mostly had a German background. Presently, approximately 13,000 Jewish residents live in Utah, with most of that population calling Salt Lake City, Ogden and Park City home.
This may also be an inspiration for people of many faiths to connect and practice their beliefs.
“A lot of the night is to feel proud of ourselves,” Rabbi Zippel said. “We hope people see this parade and it encourages people to commit to their faith — not only Jewish people but people of all faiths.”
The Jewish Virtual Library distributes information about the past and present of Jewish history across America, but it also holds special virtual exhibits about the experiences of Jewish residents where they were small in number during their early settlement. Utah fits that description.
Saturday’s car parade will not only carry the menorah, but various community members will participate, as well. In the past, people have sat on their front steps and porches to watch the parade go by. Educating parade-watchers about Jewish history, including, of course, the story of Hanukkah, will be important.
A new addition this year will be video walls and an outdoor speaker system to share the message of Hanukkah: pushing out darkness, welcoming light and hope, as well as the importance and joy of religious expression.
A message that also includes celebrating with others,
“We feel proud of our state … even though we are small in number. And we are proud of your city,” Rabbi Zippel said. “We feel proud to be a part of a place where people have been welcoming.”
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