SUNDAY, DEC. 22

Celebrate the advent of Hanukkah this Sunday with the lighting of a massive 12-foot menorah at retail center 2nd & PCH. The event, organized by Rabbi Abba Perelmuter from Shul by the Shore, is part of a worldwide Hanukkah campaign and is one of more than 15,000 large public menorah lightings sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world. So, it’s a pretty big deal.

“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” Rabbi Perelmuter said in a press release. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

Councilwoman Suzie Price and other community members will be in attendance for the grand display and following the ceremony, there will be new and traditional live music, dance, food (hot latkes!), a grand raffle, balloon twisting and craft activities for the kiddos.

Another great thing: The Camerata Singers’ will perform Handel’s “Messiah” in partnership with Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra. For more than a decade, the Camerata Singers have brought the wonderful, joyful experience of the oratorio to local audiences. For those looking to get smart, there will be a pre-concert lecture on the history of “Messiah” in English and Spanish at 3:30 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6OsMlzKKik&feature=emb_logo

Giving us a moment’s pause: We’re good.

The Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Extravaganza is Sunday Dec. 22 at 2nd & PCH; 6400 Pacific Coast Highway. The event starts at 4 p.m. For more information, including a map of where the ceremony will take place, click here.

The Camerata Singers perform Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4:30 p.m. at the Beverly O’Neill Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Tickets are $35/$45 and can be purchased here.