Chabad of the Central Cascades will ignite three nine-foot menorahs around the city of Issaquah this year in as part of the world’s largest Chanukah observance. The menorahs will be in Downtown Issaquah on Front Street (corner Dogwood) at Grand Ridge Plaza and at Village Green in the Issaquah Highlands,

The Lighting at Village Green will be followed by a communitywide Glow in the Dark Chanukah Celebration on the second night of Chanukah, which falls on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will feature Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler.

Following the menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds are expected to dance, sing and eat the night away. The event also will feature a Chanukah laser show, arts and crafts, latkes, doughnuts, dreidels and lots of chocolate gelt.

The public menorah lightings was organized by Chabad of the Central Cascades Rabbi Berry Farkash.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of Issaquah’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship God freely, openly, and with pride,” Farkash said. “In America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory more than 2,100 years ago of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people who defeated an enemy that had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life, prohibit religious freedom and force the Jewish people to accept a foreign religion.

Chabad of the Central Cascades offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For more information, contact Rabbi Berry or Nechama Farkash, Chabad of the Central Cascades at 425-985-7639, via email at rabbi@chabadissaquah.com or visit www.ChabadIssaquah.com.