For the first time in the region, a 10-foot menorah constructed from over 200 cans will be kindled at the annual Chanukah celebration that will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in Blakely Hall in the Issaquah Highlands.

The can food menorah is being organized, built and donated by Chabad of the Central Cascades. The public can participate by sponsoring some canned foods, which will be used to assemble the Menorah. The 200+ cans will be donated to the Issaquah food bank for local families in need.

The celebration will follow a public outdoor menorah lighting at Village Green. Mayor Ava Fisinger and other elected officials will light the 9-foot aluminum outdoor menorah (Chanukah candelabra). The event will feature traditional Chanukah latkes and doughnuts, children’s crafts and other Chanukah activities for the entire family.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory – more than 2,100 years ago – of a militarily weak, but spiritually strong Jewish people over an enemy that had overrun the Holy Land. The victory was compounded when only one jug of sacred oil was found still pure and sealed and rekindled the menorah and burned for eight days.

Blakely Hall is located at 2550 NE Park Drive.