A Festive Hanukkah Parade Illuminates Chicago’s North Side
On Thursday evening, the second night of Hanukkah, a vibrant car parade wound its way through Chicago’s North Side, celebrating the Festival of Lights with a unique twist. Hundreds of cars, each adorned with a LED menorah, participated in the Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois’ annual event, marking the 50th anniversary of the first public menorah lighting in the U.S. The spectacle began at the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago parking lot in West Ridge, where families gathered, their excitement palpable. Children perched in sunroofs, danced to Hanukkah music, and the air buzzed with the cheerful honking of horns.
Among the participants was Avi Scharmon, 35, who brought a particularly impressive sight: a giant wooden menorah, crafted from four-by-fours and two-by-fours and illuminated with LEDs, atop his electric Hummer. While his family traditionally lights smaller candles at home, Scharmon explained that the larger-than-life menorah was a statement. “It’s not about the size of the light,” he said, “because a little light will shine in a lot of darkness. So, we’re here to celebrate the light, to celebrate positivity, and all the things we believe in.”
The caravan journeyed through West Rogers Park, Peterson Park, Lincolnwood, and culminated in a celebration at Sky High Sports in Niles. The parade served a vital purpose, according to Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, executive director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois. He described the event as a “launch party,” encouraging participants to continue spreading the message of Hanukkah throughout the eight-day festival by keeping their car menorahs illuminated. “Wherever they’re driving, they’re spreading light,” Moscowitz stated. The parade’s aim, he explained, is to publicly share the Jewish message, taking the traditional practice of placing menorahs in windows and doorways a step further.
This year’s celebration held a particular poignancy, coming amidst a rise in antisemitism following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. For Scharmon, the parade represented a powerful show of solidarity. “This year, unlike other years, all Jews are coming together just to kind of unite in times where we are prosecuted for being Jewish,” he shared. “So, we feel the need to show solidarity and to kind of shine the light.” The festive procession, therefore, served not only as a joyous Hanukkah celebration but also as a potent symbol of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.