Menorah Lit Under Blazing Sunset: Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente hosts Hanukkah at the Pier

Photos and text by Eric Heinz

It was originally planned that people would light up the Pier with their cellphones to welcome the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on Dec. 10. That was before the sky stretched out an orange, red and dark blue tapestry across the evening sky that captured people’s attention.

Some patrons were treated to light-up menorah necklaces after arriving as one of the first 100 to the event.

Rabbi Mendel Slavin of the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente led the ceremonies with Mayor Tim Brown and Council member Steve Swartz. A large metal menorah was placed at the end of the Pier.

Another event for the lighting of the menorah will take place at the Outlets at San Clemente from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Hanukkah started on Dec. 12 and ends Dec. 20.