Shazam the Clown entertains Children at the Menorah Lighting ceremony at the Galleria on Thrusday.

Friday, December 29, 2000

News from Glendale in the Times Community Newspapers

LIGHT OF PEACE
Eighth night of Hanukkah celebrates a complete life through good deeds.

It was a celebration of the feeling of being complete.

Rabbi Simcha Backman of The Chabad Congregation of Glendale and the Foothill Communities led a ceremony to acknowledge the last night of Hanukkah, which took place at 5 p.m. Thursday on the lower level of the Glendale Galleria.

The event began with the lighting of the eighth candle of the Menorah and prayer. Prayers were for the importance of Mitzvot , or good deeds done to help perfect the world.

Backman also emphasized the importance of an ultimate goal, which is to work together so that all people can live in peace and harmony.

After the lighting of the eighth candle on the Menorah, Paul Shusterman sang and played traditional Hanukkah songs and Jewish folk music on the keyboard. Clowns and face painters entertained children with balloon animals, while latkes, or potato pancakes, and donuts were served.

A member of The Chabad Congregation dressed up like Judah the Macabee, who led the Jewish revolt against the Greeks to regain their temple.