Temple Beth El of Boca Raton celebrated Hanukkah this year with its “Hanukkah under the Stars” Dec. 14 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. This free community event was a beautiful evening under the night sky as members from the South Florida Jewish community came together to celebrate the joyous holiday.
The event featured a children’s area that opened at 5 p.m. and included bounce houses, face painting, hair wraps and crafts. A gourmet food truck expo was also a highlight of the evening, featuring a variety of food for purchase such as Italian, Mediterranean, American and vegetarian. Kid-friendly cuisine, such as latkes, bagels, donuts, candy, desserts and beverages were also available.
The Hanukkah and Shabbat service featured Cantorial Soloist Lori Shapiro, Rabbi Dan Levin and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Brockman. Temple Beth El’s Adult Choir, Shir Ruach, the teen group, and Shir Joy (youth choir for grades 3-6) were also featured in this musical celebration.
“We were so excited to celebrate Chanukah this year in an entertaining and exciting way for the entire community to enjoy,” said Susan Stallone, director of Communications and Programming. “We truly thank everyone from clergy members to volunteers who helped make Chanukah under the Stars such a success.”
Part of the proceeds from the event benefitted the Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services of Boca Raton and the Giving Tree of Temple Beth El, providing needy families, senior citizens and kids aging out of foster care with basic necessities as well as holiday gifts.
Caption: Patty Beck, president of Temple Beth El, and Rabbi Dan Levin