Holiday Fun: Tribute to Simon at Chabad’s Chanukah at Lake Anne

Chanukah begins this Sunday at sundown, and there are a couple of festive events for Reston-area Jews next week.

Chabad of Reston-Herndon is hosting its annual Chanukah at Reston Community Center Lake Anne Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Chabad is building a Menorah of Kindness out of Kosher canned food, which will be donated to Cornerstones.

This event is also a memorial to Reston founder Bob Simon, who died in September, says Chabad. Simon traditionally lit the outdoor menorah the last several years.

Participants are encouraged to bring a few cans of food to add to the menorah. There will also be kids activities; latkes, donuts and chocolate gelt; and other holiday cheer for the whole family.

The Chabad Hebrew School will also perform at this free event.

Since Chanukah lasts for eight days, there will be more opportunities for holiday fun.

Chabad is also hosting Chanukah On Ice from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at Reston Town Center’s ice skating rink.

There will be ice skating to Chanukah music; a grand menorah lighting to commemorate the end of the holiday; more latkes, donuts and gelt; and a grand raffle.

Kosher boxed dinners (hot dog, snack, juice box) available for purchase at $3.50.

The event is free. Skate rentals are $12.

Also on Dec. 13, the community is invited to a 4:30 p.m. Chanukah concert with the Robyn Helzner Trio at Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Rd. in Herndon. The event is part of the congregation’s 36th anniversary celebration. Tickets are $18 on Beth Emeth’s website.