TENS OF THOUSANDS CELEBRATE CHANUKAH AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
BY: Reuven Arazi
Chanukah came alive at Orlando's two Universal Theme Parks; Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure and at Universal City Walk, as tens of thousands of men, women and children took part in three days of Chanukah festivities that brought the warmth of Yiddishkeit and the message of freedom contained in the Menorah to people from all over the world celebrating Chanukah in Central Florida.
The event was coordinated by Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, of Chabad of Southwest Broward, along with Rabbi Yosef Konikov of Chabad of South Orlando in a joint effort by Chabad- Lubavitch of the State of Florida, with 137 centers from Jacksonville to Key West.
Two restaurants, La Bamba at Universal and Thunder Falls in Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure, were converted to glatt kosher for Friday and Sunday, kashered and supervised by Rabbi Shalom Dubov, of Chabad of Greater Orlando. This was the first time ever that restaurants were kashered in a major Theme Park. They sold out everything they had and greatly outdid Universal's expectations.
Three thousand Universal Chanukah t-shirts were distributed and worn by Theme Park goers wishing one and all a Happy Chanukah from Chabad of Florida.
On Sunday, Giant Menorahs were lit in both Theme Parks with thousands in attendance. Joining the Menorah lighting celebration were Woody Woodpecker Scooby Doo, Popeye, Curious George and other Universal characters. The children danced with the characters, as the two Menorahs were lifted in a parade of Jewish song and dance to the main stage at City Walk for the big event.
At City Walk, an eighteen foot golden Menorah stood at the center and a crowd of tens of thousands were treated to an exceptional concert by the talented South American musician, Yehuda Glantz, and Israel's #1 superstar Gad Elbaz, who was joined with a guest appearance by his father, the legendary Benny Elbaz.
Although many people came to Orlando knowing in advance of the Chanukah and Shabbat celebrations and glatt kosher food, the greatest impact was made on the unaffiliated and those who were pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed how Chabad took Chanukah and Universal to a whole new dimension.
Rabbi Abraham Korf, the head Shliach (emissary) to the State of Florida, whose State has the distinction of hosting North America's largest annual Chanukah festival for the past 26 years in Hollywood, Florida, and who personally lit the Menorah at the goal line of Joe Robbie Stadium 18 years ago before a Miami Dolphins – Washington Redskins game, expressed great joy in the major impact "Universal Chanukah" had on so many people: "The Lubavitcher Rebbe realized how public Menorah lightings bring Jewish pride to an unprecedented level. What we saw in Orlando was the sanctification of G‑d's name that paralleled the theme and power of the Chanukah story," Rabbi Korf remarked.
Preceding the event was a first class Shabbaton at the Embassy Suites Hotel which was attended by five hundred people from throughout Florida and from around the globe. The Shabbat was filled with Torah classes for men & women, and children's programs were conducted by the young ladies of the Chaya Aydel Seminary, Florida's only Jewish Teacher's College. Eleven of the twenty three Seminary girls and their Principal, Rabbi Yossy Lebovics, had to walk 10 miles late Friday afternoon due to unforeseen traffic caused by an accident, and the message of the sanctity of the Sabbath was displayed to thousands of motorists.
Rabbi Yossef Konikov pointed out that "the Sunshine State has certainly become THE State of the lights of the Menorah".
"I thank Chabad for the wonderful program they put together at Universal Studios City Walk." said Sharon Kaufman who was visiting with her family.
"I saw my children light up, to be with so many other Jewish children, and so many wonderful and friendly people! It's something they've not experienced before, and they were in awe. We live in Port St. Lucie, and the Jewish community here is nearly non existent.
Thank you even more for the wonderful connection y'all brought to our children and our family through Universal Chanukah!"
"All in all, many who came to Universal Studios to take in a show and roller coaster were also inspired to light the Menorah and encouraged to continue the flame of Yiddishkeit for the rest of the year until the real "Universal Chanukah" will be celebrated with Moshiach Now!" concluded Rabbi Pinny.
For pictures and souvenir t-shirts log on to www.jewishorlando.com.
