Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/762897
metro » » a r o u n d t o w n 16 December 15 • 2016 In Unity Diverse group celebrates Havdalah with song, dance. O n Nov. 12, a diverse group gathered outside the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center to celebrate a musical Havdalah service held in con- junction with Shabbat Unity programs taking place throughout the world. Rabbi Sasson Natan of Keter Torah Synagogue led the Sephardi Havdalah, including some lively traditional melodies. Rabbi Yoni Berger of Hillel Day School recited the Ashkenazi Havdalah. Hillel students Eli and Gabriel Gordon held the Havdalah candles in loving memory of their mother, Jennifer Lanxner, a beloved teacher at Frankel Jewish Academy. Milk & Honey Catering provided hot soups. Rabbi Shneur Silberberg of Bais Chabad Torah Center told the group, "Shabbat, which is devoted to God, community and family, has always united the Jewish people, and the Havdalah service carries that unity into the entire week." Ben Opengeym's keyboard playing inspired some exuberant dancing. A refugee from the former Soviet Union, he'd never experienced Shabbat or Havdalah before coming to the U.S. "I was really touched, seeing everyone dancing and excited about Havdalah," he said. * Photos by Larry Reuben Issac ben Ezra of Keter Torah with Rabbi Yoni Berger of Hillel Day School Rabbi Shneur Silberberg Harvey Aidem and Daniel Keyes, both of West Bloomfield The Cohn family of West Bloomfield: Max, Jason, Erika and Abbie. Gavriel and Eli Gordon of Franklin hold Havdalah candles in memory of their mother, Jennifer Lanxner. Holiday Fun Updated Chanukah Wonderland returns to Orchard Mall. C hanukah Wonderland, now in its eighth year, will open to the public Dec. 21-26 at Orchard Mall, bringing fun-filled crafts, activi- ties, holiday foods and pure Chanukah joy to young and old alike. The Wonderland will include famil- iar crowd-favorites such as the world's biggest dreidel-shaped moon-bounce, a hands-on olive making demonstra- tion, doughnut and latke-making and a Chanukah Tot Town, plus exciting new opportunities such as design a Chanukah T-shirt, holiday movie cor- ner, Chanukah game show and plenty more for the entire family. In total, there are some 30 entertaining and fun-filled activities and crafts to enjoy. A 10-foot can-menorah (or CANorah) will be on display at the Wonderland. All are encouraged to bring along canned food when visiting Chanukah Wonderland to help build this unique menorah, which contrib- uted close to 400 lbs. of food to the hungry last year. This year's Wonderland will include an 8-foot custom-designed Coin Menorah (or COINorah), which is made of stained wood and Plexiglas and will double as a giant charity box (the branches are made to be filled with coins). Proceeds from the COINorah will benefit local charities including Yad Ezra, Friends of the IDF, JARC, Jewish Family Service and oth- ers. Highlights of Chanukah Wonderland include Wednesday night's Children's Chanukah-themed yoga and Chef Cari's food truck. On Sunday, Home Depot representatives will be on hand for a workshop at which children will learn to build their own wooden crafts. The grand finale will take place on Monday, Dec. 26, at 5 p.m. Titled "Unite to Ignite," the evening will fea- ture the Chicago Boys Acrobatz and the CANorah-lighting celebration. There will be latkes, doughnuts and Milk and Honey-catered soups. At the event, winners of the JN Art Chanukah Art contest will be announced and their awards distrib- uted. There is no charge to attend the Monday night festivities. "Our goal at the Chanukah Wonderland is for people to celebrate and share in the joys of their Jewish heritage and traditions," said Rabbi Shneur Silberberg, outreach director at the Sara and Morris Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center "Unfortunately, we've seen and heard too much divisive behavior and rhetoric recently," he added. "Let's take this opportunity to come together to celebrate a holiday that celebrates the victory of good over evil and empha- sizes our ability to bring light to the darkness." Chanukah Wonderland also offers a fascinating educational experience. Every half hour, there will be an olive press demonstration. Children can watch olives be pressed into oil while hearing the Chanukah story, which culminated in the kindling of the olive oil-filled menorah in the Temple. The cost of admission to Chanukah Wonderland is $5. There is no charge for Monday night's grand finale festivi- ties. Chanukah Wonderland is presented by the Bais Chabad Torah Center in partnership with the Orchard Mall and Kroger and with the help of numerous sponsors and donors. For more information, visit www. ChanukahWonderlandMI.com or contact Rabbi Shneur Silberberg at rabbishneur@baischabad.com or (248) 207-5513. * Last year's Chanukah Wonderland