Light Up the Valley: Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad Celebrates Chanukah with Community Events
Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg
In exactly one week, the Mat-Su Valley will come alive with the glow of Chanukah lights! Beginning Sunday, December 14, and continuing through Sunday, December 21, the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad invites the community to join in a week of celebration, joy, and the timeless message of Chanukah.
The Miracle of Chanukah
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over oppression and the wondrous oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple, despite there being only enough for one. Each night, a candle is added to the Menorah: one on the first night, two on the second, and so on until all eight candles shine brightly, teaching us that we should never be satisfied with goodness and holiness, and we must always strive to grow to greater heights, as goodness and holiness is sourced in G‑d Almighty, which is infinite.
The holiday teaches that even a small light can drive away darkness. By focusing on positive action and spreading light, negativity is dispelled, and hope and joy are strengthened. Tradition calls for placing the Menorah in a window or by a door, symbolizing our desire to illuminate the outside world. The global spiritual leader, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, emphasized that this light should not be confined to the home—it should reach the public square, inspiring millions around the globe with its uplifting, universal message.
Mat-Su Valley Celebrations
The Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad, representing the Rebbe in the Mat-Su Valley, is bringing this message of light to locations throughout the Valley. Highlights include:
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 3:30 PM | Talkeetna – Upper Susitna Community Center: A historic first for Talkeetna! Join a pita and schwarma dinner, lively music, a Menorah lighting, holiday treats, and kids’ activities.
Monday, Dec. 15 | 5:30 PM | Palmer Train Depot: Celebrate night two outdoors with Mayor Jim Cooper at a Menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, and community fun.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 5:00 PM | Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College: The largest community celebration, featuring the Extreme Pogo Stunt Show, a giant Menorah lighting, full dinner buffet, music, activities for all ages, and a night of unforgettable Chanukah joy.
Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 17 & 18 | 5:30 PM | Outside Palmer Depot: Evening Menorah lightings.
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 12:45 PM | WASI Seniors: Holiday treats and Menorah lighting for Mat-Su seniors.
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 6:00 PM | Outside Palmer Depot: Evening Menorah lighting.
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 3:30 PM | Wasilla Lake: End Chanukah with a 20-foot Menorah, chocolate coin GELT drop from a fire truck, DJ, treats, and fun for all. Special thanks to sponsors making this event possible, including Josh Fryfogle, Sunbelt Rentals, Pat Garley, and Mat-Su Central.
Additional public Menorah displays will take place at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the Menards Sports Center, and Iditarod Park in Wasilla, bringing Chanukah’s message to the wider community.
If anyone needs a Menorah or candles to celebrate Chanukah at home, please reach out to the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad. We are happy to provide all the necessary items so that every family can participate in this beautiful tradition.
One of the central customs of Chanukah is giving gifts or money to children and to friends. One of the reasons for this custom is to inspire generosity within ourselves and our children, and to encourage that from each gift we receive, we should also give to a charitable cause. This holiday is therefore a special time for both gifts and acts of charity.
All of the events are open to the public. The Chanukah celebrations hosted by the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad over the past 10 years have been warmly attended by the entire community. We welcome everyone to join and look forward to seeing you there!
A Time to Shine
As Chanukah begins this year on the evening of Sunday, December 14, and concludes on Monday, December 22, the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad encourages everyone to join in the celebrations. Each candle lit is a symbol of hope, a commitment to goodness, and a reminder that our individual sparks, when combined, can brighten the darkest nights.
For more information on events and schedules, visit MatSujewishcenter.org or see flyers at local community locations.