Jewish group plans show, giant menorah kindling

MONROE - The Clearbrook Mandolin Ensemble will play a "Chanukah Lights and Music" benefit concert Dec. 20 in the cafeteria at Monroe Township High School, Perrineville Road, in support of the new Chabad Community Center.

The concert is being arranged by the Chabad Building Fund and Jerry Sperling, conductor of the Clearbrook Mandolin Ensemble.

"The Chabad Community Center will be a permanent home for Chabad House. It will bring a wonderful place for people to meet, to hold events and to celebrate our rich Jewish heritage," Sperling said.

The center is proposed on a 3.5-acre property on Applegarth Road.

The Clearbrook Mandolin Ensemble, formed in early 2005, has a performing repertoire of more than 70 musical compositions. These range from popular songs, show tunes, American folk songs, motion picture themes, ethnic musical compositions and melodies from the great operas, as well as themes from classical composers.

"Chanukah Lights and Music" will also feature a menorah lighting ceremony and hot latkes and doughnuts. Before the concert there will be a children's program where each child can make olive oil and do a craft.

Tickets can be purchased at Everything Jewish by Chabad, at 1600 Perrineville Road in the Concordia Shopping Center, or by calling (609) 409-1000 or (609) 655-7727.

On Dec. 19, the Concordia Shopping Center and Everything Jewish by Chabad will co-sponsor the annual Menorah Kindling Ceremony. The Hanukkah celebration will take place at 4 p.m. at the Concordia Shopping Center.

The event will feature the kindling of a giant menorah, as well as music, dancing, and free latkes and doughnuts. Public dignitaries and community leaders will assist in kindling the menorah.

Hanukkah is highlighted by the kindling of the menorah each night of the holiday.

"It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition," said Rabbi Yehuda Spritzer, owner of Everything Jewish by Chabad and director of Chabad House of Monroe. "In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place."

For more information, call the above numbers or send an e-mail to everythingjewish@aol.com.