Hundreds of cars, adorned with LED menorahs, participated in a vibrant Hanukkah car parade through Chicago’s North Side on Thursday night. The event, organized by the Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, marked the second night of Hanukkah and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first public menorah lighting in the U.S.
Children enthusiastically participated, some perched in sunroofs, others dancing to festive music as drivers honked their horns. Among the participants was Avi Scharmon, 35, who created a massive wooden menorah to complement his electric Hummer. While his family typically lights smaller candles at home, Scharmon explained that the parade’s larger-than-life menorah served as a symbol of spreading light and positivity, echoing the Hanukkah message of hope. The parade, starting at the Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center in West Ridge, wound through West Rogers Park, Peterson Park, Lincolnwood, and concluded with a celebration at Sky High Sports in Niles.
Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, executive director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, described the parade as a “launch party,” encouraging participants to continue spreading the light throughout the remaining days of Hanukkah by keeping their car menorahs illuminated. He emphasized the tradition of publicly displaying menorahs, highlighting the parade as an amplified expression of this practice.
This year’s celebration held particular significance, coming amidst a rise in antisemitism following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Scharmon noted the increased importance of unity and solidarity among the Jewish community in the face of such adversity, emphasizing the parade as a powerful demonstration of shared faith and resilience. The parade served not only as a festive celebration but also as a public affirmation of Jewish identity and a message of hope in challenging times.