SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota put on its ninth annual Hanukkah celebration today. Over the years, the turnout has grown, leading to a new venue for this year’s event.
“This is a big one compared to when I was growing up, we didn’t have these when I was growing up,” said Allan Wasserman, who attended the event.
“We’ve seen explosive growth in the Jewish community and we’re so glad to have needed to find a larger venue to host this Hanukkah celebration. That’s why we’re holding it here today at The Alliance. We have so much activity and excitement. Many families, children are joining here. It’s a real special day,” said Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz.
The Hanukkah celebrations last eight days, but the holiday isn’t about gifts.
“It’s been about coming together as a family and celebrating what Hanukkah really is, which is going to the desert with just enough oil to last those eight nights and it lasted,” said Genna Toreson, who is attending the event for the first time this year.
Although the holiday commemorates an important moment in the religion, Toreson says she enjoys another tradition-
“Making latkes. It’s all about the hand- You don’t you don’t use a food processor, you don’t do anything like that. You grate the potatoes, you grate the onions, it’s all by hand. You come out of it feeling really buff at the very end,” said Toreson.
Besides food, the event featured games and activities for the whole family, as well as a gelt drop and a 7-foot-tall menorah. Mayor Paul TenHaken attended the event to help with the public menorah lighting. But this year’s menorah is different—it’s made from LEGOs.
“We wanted something extra exciting. And it also involves the children. This menorah, seven foot tall, built out of thousands of pieces of LEGO, was built by children in the local community, and we’re so glad to have that here as a special addition this year,” said Alperowitz.
