Jewish Life at VCU presented the first-ever public Chanukah celebration in Monroe Park on Dec. 12.
With over 100 people in attendance, it was an amazing way to celebrate and to wrap up the semester for students. The event featured a giant Menorah, a DJ, prizes and lots of donuts imported from New York City!
Both Rabbi Lessoff and his wife Daniela inspired the crowd with moving stories about the power of light to dispel darkness.
This message was very meaningful to the students, since during the prior year the park in which they stood to celebrate had been the site of anti-Semitic demonstrations. This year that darkness was overcome by light, dancing and joy.
Professor Jessica Trisko Darden also spoke, reminding the students that they were not alone – not in class, not on campus, not within the community.
These words were reinforced by the fact that many community members came out to support the students and show them that we stand together.
The JVCU Student Board President, David Harter, also addressed the crowd expressing gratitude toward the Lessoffs at having helped Jewish Life at VCU grow from a few students to an overflowing table every Friday night and pride in the students’ role to continue to develop the program.
He echoed the sentiment that having the community there to celebrate with them made the students feel even more a part of the Richmond Jewish community.
When Rabbi Lessoff and Chief Venuti released the “Chanukah Drop” balloons, the crowd rushed forward to pick a balloon and claim their prizes. In addition to the prizes, each participant took home a Menorah kit so they could continue to spread the light at home or wherever their travels would take them.
The Lessoffs spent countless hours preparing for this major celebration and they were thrilled with the result.
“This event was the first of its kind and scale at VCU, and thank G-d, the outcome exceeded all expectations,” said Rabbi Lessoff.
“Jewish students came together with great pride and joy to celebrate in anticipation of Chanukah.
The message of ‘Be the Light’ truly resonated with everyone. We are deeply grateful to all the esteemed guests who joined us and showed their support.”
