This Hanukkah, Chabad of Fountain Hills will host a Grand Menorah Lighting of a 12-foot menorah erected on the Avenue of the Fountains, directly across from the Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, on the first night of Hanukkah at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14.

The Grand Menorah Lighting ceremony will feature the lighting of the giant menorah, an LED Glow Show, lively music, giveaways and prizes, kids’ crafts and traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes and doughnuts.

Additionally, the Chabad of Fountain Hills will sponsor a Hanukkah Festival in Rio Verde at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Rio Verde Fire Station #442, 17619 E. Rio Verde Drive.

There will be a 12-foot menorah lighting and hot latkes, jelly donuts, chocolate coins and a live ventriloquist show.

Following the festival/lighting, there will be a celebratory Car Menorah Parade from Rio Verde to Fountain Hills. The parade will drive through the streets of downtown Fountain Hills, ending on the Avenue of the Fountains.

Car participants in the parade can display a variety of Hanukkah decorations. Loaner car menorahs are available upon request.

“At this fraught time for the Jewish community, with the continuing war in Israel and American Jews facing a major rise in antisemitism, this year we are doing more to celebrate Hanukkah with joy and Jewish pride,” said Rabbi Mendy Lipskier. “The Menorah and Hanukkah represent freedom of the human spirit, freedom from tyranny and oppression, and of the victory of good over evil. Celebrating Hanukkah is a potent point of light, Jewish pride and confidence for American Jews in the fight against darkness and antisemitism. The celebration of Hanukkah underscores the G-d endowed liberty that is at the heart of what America represents.”

For further information about these events, visit JewishFountainHills.com or call 480-795-6292.