Annual Chanukah Celebration at Temple Sholom Reimagin Lego as a Menorah

Temple Sholom’s annual Chanukah celebration reached new heights this year as families worked together to create the largest Lego menorah the congregation has seen in more than a decade.

The large-scale model building activity held Sunday, December 10 was designed by Stephen W. Schwartz AJA, Architect of SWS Architects Livingston, New Jersey, as a fast-paced, multi-generational workshop to bring families together for an engaging and whimsical Chanukah experience.

Children of all ages gathered around bins of 100,000 colorful Legos in search of the perfect pieces to form their individual sections of the menorah with unique and interesting patterns. When assembled, the untraditional menorah would tower more than 10 feet tall.

“We have been hoping to bring this program back to Temple Sholom for several years now because it is so popular among both children and parents (and even grandparents),” Executive Director Lori Baden said, adding, “New memories – in addition to new friendships – were made by members of our synagogue and it was heartwarming to see a semi-circle of 50 families singing Chanukah songs in solidarity as the Lego menorah was constructed.”

Once the menorah was completed, Temple Sholom’s Associate Rabbi Kevin Peters climbed the ladder to light the 4th candle and recite the blessings.

Families were encouraged to take pictures in front of the giant display and then were invited to stay for pizza and donuts hosted by the Temple Sholom Learning Center Parent Association.

“It was so beautiful and appropriate that we gathered as a community to build a ‘larger than life size’ Chanukiyah (Chanukah menorah),” said Rabbi Kevin. “In these dark times, we need more light. As bright as our individual flames are, they pale in comparison to the illuminating power of a community coming together.”