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Menorah in the D goes hybrid with new activities in person at Campus Martius and virtually on Sunday, November 28th.

“We are going forward to bring everyone together again to light the menorah in downtown Detroit,” said Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, vice president of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan. “This year’s event will be downtown in-person and virtually on Zoom.”

The 11th Annual Menorah in the D will take place on November 28 at 5 PM. After last year’s virtual-only event due to the pandemic, this year it is exciting to be able to have the opportunity to bring everyone back downtown to Campus Martius with an option to also join via livestream. The in-person and livestream event begins at 5 PM with the ceremony starting at 5:30 PM and airing on the Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan Facebook page and website. 

This past year, Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan brought the community together virtually, and, when able, in-person for all the Jewish holidays. Shemtov knew the importance of bringing the community together to celebrate the lighting of the menorah, and also knew it was important to offer individuals the option to attend in-person or from home. 

The annual event, which usually sees thousands of people gather in downtown Detroit for the festivities and the lighting of the massive 26-foot menorah, is put on in partnership with the Jewish Federation, The Shul and Chabad in the D, among others. This year, viewers will be greeted by community leaders and dignitaries at the Torch Ceremony, which will feature honorees from Detroit and around the world. Following the lighting ceremony, there will be an after party on Zoom so community members can share their lighting ceremonies at home with others who have tuned in. 

“Whether you’re live or online, this has become an event where the entire Jewish community comes together and celebrates our spirit and message of Judaism in a very special and unique way,” Shemtov added. “We will continue to bring everyone together whether in-person or online to share in the traditions together.” 

“Being together, the spirit of the light of Chanukah and being in downtown Detroit lighting that menorah in the center of the city is something truly invigorating,” said Shemtov. “On each of the eight nights of Chanukah, we add another candle — generating more and more light. Like a flaming candle, all you need to do is touch another person with an act of kindness and sincerity and their flame will be ignited as well. One candle at a time, one soul at a time, the world becomes a brighter, warmer place.” Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov went on to express the gratitude he has for the many sponsors including the Gilbert Family Foundation and Park West Gallery.

The one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life, steel and glass menorah was designed by renowned local artists, Erik and Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center. The menorah will take its place in Campus Martius on November 22 and remain up until January 3. 

“When we light the menorah downtown on Chanukah, we are not only bringing light and celebration to the Jewish community, but we are bringing the special energy of Chanukah to the whole City of Detroit, the whole of Metropolitan Detroit, and all of Michigan,” added Rabbi Yisrael Pinson, co-director of Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit.

Last year, special Menorah in the D Lamplighter Kits were a bit hit and are back again in 2021. The kits include a Chanukah guide, candles, special customized Menorah in the D light-up yoyo, treats, crafts and gelt, encouraging all participants at home to be a Lamplighter.

To learn more and reserve your kit visit: menorahinthed.com 

Kits will be available for pick up starting Wednesday, November 24 until Friday, November 26.

About The Shul – Chabad Lubavitch

The Shul is a warm and welcoming home for all Jews — no labels, no affiliations. It is a place to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and to have fun. The Shul appeals to all segments of the Jewish community by offering a wide range of activities for adults, children and the whole family. For more information, please visit Theshul.net

About Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit is the cornerstone of our Jewish community and is committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a strong and vibrant Jewish future in Detroit, in Israel and around the world. For more information about Federation, please visit, JewishDetroit.org.

About Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit:

Serving the people who Live, Work, Play and Give in the Greater Downtown Detroit area, Chabad in the D is a growing Jewish family at the heart of our city. Jewish life is celebrated with joy, passion, and spiritual meaning, and shared through classes, lectures and communal events.