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Surrounded by piles of lumber, the smell of sawdust and the bustle of the large hardware store, kids will create do-it-yourself Chanukah menorahs out of wood.
Accompanied by a parent, the children will don aprons, make menorahs from prepared cut wood, paint their creations and insert candle holders. The menorah will be lit during Chanukah, which begins on the night of Dec. 16. Chabad also will provide instructional literature and safety handouts to go with.
“The kids are going to love the menorahs that they create on their own, they’ll treasure it and they will be able to feel more involved in the holiday,” Chana Silberstein, program director at Chabad of Larchmont & Mamaroneck said of the upcoming event. Unique to the program, she points out, is that parents won't just drop their kids off. They will participate and get involved with their children.
At a time when many towns are illuminated by seasonal holiday displays, Jewish families welcome a Chanukah event.
“In a place like New York, the amount of holiday activity is overwhelming for a Jewish family. When they see a Jewish event is going on, it is exciting for them,” Silberstein said.
Partnering with Home Depot gives families who may not participate in traditional synagogue activities the opportunity to prepare for and celebrate the Chanukah festival within their own comfort zone, in a familiar store, while meeting others who are doing the same thing.
The event will take place Dec. 14, at Home Depot, 55 Weyman Ave., New Rochelle. So as not to overcrowd the store and to leave room for the regular shoppers, the Home Depot will be offering two shifts, one at 1:30 p.m., and the other at 3 p.m. Space is very limited and advanced registration is required.
This event is a project of Alef Bet Preschool, Chabad of Larchmont & Mamaroneck, Chabad of Pelham, Chabad of Scarsdale, and Chabad of Westchester, and is sponsored by Home Depot. This event is free. For more information about the event or to register online, visit http://www.jewishlarchmont.com/chanukah2014.
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