by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
For the past 20 years, the Landing has been known for the celebration of Christmas hosted by the most well-known Christmas tree display in Jacksonville – but there’s more to the shopping center’s holiday story.
The Landing will host the third annual Chabad Hanukkah at 4 p.m. Sunday. The celebration will include a car parade, a magic show, popcorn, cotton candy, traditional potato pancakes (latkes) and the lighting of a 15-foot brass menorah.
“Our main mission is to help Jews re-attach themselves to their Jewish roots,” said Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida. “The nature of Hanukkah is the victory of freedom of religion over religious oppression. That is one of the major victories for all religions.
“We have to appreciate that, especially when we see what has happened throughout history. We recognize and give thanks for the environment, the government and the community.”
Attendance at the event has increased each year since the celebration was moved to the Landing from its former site at the Jewish Community Alliance, said Rabbi Shmuel Novack of Chabad of Southside.
Kahanov said the organization’s Hanukkah celebration at the Landing is unique.
“We have a car parade with a police escort from the three Chabads in Jacksonville to the Landing, and we build a menorah out of Legos to get the kids involved,” he said. “It’s a carnival atmosphere and a way to reach out to the general public.
“It’s a way to celebrate our Jewish pride. [But] if you’re not Jewish, come to celebrate your freedom of religion.”