Chanukah lights up Melbourne
IT is that time of year to come together for the Festival of Lights. And to celebrate, Jewish and non-Jewish people alike have been invited to attend Chanukah in the City, to be held at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
The event will feature a host of exciting performances catering for
all ages.
The highlight of the evening is likely to be the lighting of the giant menorah. Aided by Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle and chairman of the Victorian Multicultural Commission George Lekakis, JCCV president John Searle will light the giant chanukiyah in the square.
“Just to see the largest, gas-fired chanukiyah in the world being lit is something to behold. It really is a miracle to see it burning bright in the middle of our wonderful city,” Searle said.
Famous for her jazz and blues singing, Australia’s queen of soul, Renee Geyer, will headline this year’s entertainment. She follows in the footsteps of top Jewish artists, including Deborah Conway and Yidcore, who have performed at previous events.
For the youngsters, there will be a special “Rock with the Tots” show featuring many characters from the popular children’s show Fifi and the Flowertots.
Other acts include The Klezmer Trio, an acclaimed Melbourne band, The Fem Belling Trio, led by top South African-born jazz singer Fem Belling who has performed in the West End, and The Chanukah All-Starr Band.
Also featuring are drumming and dancing performances from local Jewish community groups, such as Access Inc, the Bialik College junior school and the Central Shule Choir.
With Melbourne still under a deluge of spring rain, organisers are keeping their fingers crossed that there won’t be a repeat of last year’s cancellation due to poor weather.
Chanukah in the City is on December 8 from 5pm at Federation Square.
BECKY LITWIN AND JESSE WALSH
PHOTO: Chanukah skyline … this year, Melbourne’s CBD will host three separate Chanukah parties. Photo: Peter Haskin/AJN file