A sweet tradition

Luis Pena

Newport Beach Rat Packer Joey Bishop helped set the holiday spirit by

lighting a giant chocolate menorah at Fashion Island.

Fashion Island was the site of the Chabad Jewish Center’s annual

menorah lighting ceremony, which was attended by more than 1,200

people.

The Hebrew Academy had children singing several traditional Hebrew

songs, such as the “Dreidel Song.” Members of the crowd swaying back

and fourth and clapping as the young children sang on stage.

The semi-sweet chocolate menorah was 7 1/2 feet tall and weighed

200 pounds, said Rabbi Reuven Mintz of the Chabad Jewish Center. It

would be in the Guinness Book of Work Records, he said.

“We try to bring joy to the community,” Mintz said.

Chef Doug Weinstein, who sculpted the chocolate menorah, removed

some shavings for the children to eat, but most of the menorah would

be taken to Orangewood Children’s Home for a celebration there.

The Hanukkah menorah is a candelabra with nine candles -- one for

each day of Hanukkah and an extra candle to light the others.

The holiday commemorates the Hebrews’ reclaiming of the Temple in

Jerusalem from the Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. According to

tradition, during the rededication, there was only a day’s worth of

oil for the ner tamid, or eternal light, a lamp that was supposed to

be kept lighted, but the oil lasted until the Hebrews could get more

eight days later.

When Bishop, the guest of honor, got on stage, there was applause

from everyone in the crowd. Bishop warmed up the crowd with a little

humor.

“I came here because I heard it would to be the first time in the

history of religion your going to have a rabbi and a bishop,” Bishop

said.

Bishop thanked those in attendance and said that he hoped that he

made them laugh somewhere in his life.

“I think you should all feel honored to be here, because this is

love, and that’s important,” Bishop said

Bishop said that it was wonderful that people gave up their time

to be at the event and that those in attendance should feel honored

because of the love at the event.

The menorah was lighted by Bishop with a little help from Mintz

and Weinstein.

“Spiritually, it’s nice to have everyone get together, and it’s

nice to see some of the shoppers that were here take some interest,”

said Cally Clein of Irvine.

Marla Gabie, who came from Chicago to visit family, said that the

event was a special treat because she isn’t at home to celebrate

Hanukkah.

Mark Gery enjoyed the event because it was a wonderful cultural

and religious experience in which the entire community can enjoy.

“Dig deep within yourself and find what you have special to offer

to someone in need,” Mintz said. “Spread love, unity, peace, goodness

and kindness to those around you, and let us all create miracles.”

* LUIS PENA is the news assistant and may be reached at (949)

574-4298 or by e-mail at [email protected].