SAN DIEGO – Chabad of East County celebrated the fifth night of Chanukah at its new location on Navajo Road in the San Carlos section of San Diego on Sunday, Dec. 29.
The event was held in the parking lot and had many stations with offerings that ranged from warm latkes and applesauce and sweet sufganiyot. There also was hot chocolate.
Another station was a Mitzvah spot. There were Shabbat candles, and a chanikoyot with candles for those that do not have one. A booklet of blessings also was available
The stage had a life size menorah made from Lego building blocks and a stilt walker dressed as a large robot.
Rabbi Rafi and Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier along with their children welcomed the guests. The “robot” and Rabbi Andrusier threw gelt out to the children and adults and had plenty for everyone. The Andrusier family sang the blessing for the fifth night as the Lego menorah was being lit. There was a little bit of wind, so the candles didn’t stay lit but was still nice to sing along with all the attendees.
Inside the Chabad center, children could color a wooden dreidel to take home and there were coloring sheets for the younger children.
As attendees were leaving, the Andrusier children gave all the kids “goodie” bags filled with popcorn, a gelt coin or two, a dreidel and some Israeli candy.
My 12-year old twins had a good time trying to catch the gelt falling from the sky and of course eating the warm latkes, applesauce and hot chocolate. They were back for seconds of the hot chocolate.
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Later that night, my family and I attended the Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood Asian-Fusion Chanukah Dinner at Panda Country in neighboring Santee. Before the event, we picked up four dozen assorted donuts from Mary’s Donuts in Santee to give out to the attendees for dessert.
The night was one of gathering and schmoozing and was a no-host event. Many sat with members they did not know very well and had good conversations.
It was a nice night to unwind, order good Chinese food and have celebratory sufganiyot to honor the fifth night of Chanukah.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
This sisterhood event was hugely successful because the whole restaurant was totally filled with both men and women, husbands and wives, as well as singles.. Everyone had a great time.
There were just shy of 50 people, and everyone enjoyed the food they ordered. I gave the rest of the sufganiyot to the worn-out staff, and they were appreciative :).