Hanukkah, tree lighting will be livestreamed
GRF HOLIDAY EVENTS
by Kathy Thayer
assistant recreation manager
We may not be sipping cocoa with our neighbors or sitting on Santa’s lap with our wish list this year, but that’s no reason to let the Grinch spoil our holidays.
In that spirit, the GRF Recreation Department will livestream two holiday events that have become Leisure World traditions.
On Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, Rabbi Shmuel Marcus of the Chabad of Los Alamitos/Cypress and a member of the well-known 8th Day Band will share the story of Hanukkah and its meaning for Jews and gentiles alike. Musical entertainment will help celebrate the Festival of Lights prior to lighting the menorah. It is an opportunity for this community, rich in culture and customs, to learn and share in the joy of this beautiful festival.
The holiday celebrates the Jews defeating Syrian-Greek oppressors who had tried to force them to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture. Led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews recaptured the holy temple in Jerusalem. Arriving there, they found only enough olive oil to light candles for one night, but the supply lasted for eight nights. Watch the program live at http://www.lwsb.com/menorahlighting/.
On Thursday, Dec. 10, at 4:30 p.m., the Christmas Tree at Veterans Plaza will be lit following a special musical presentation by The Entertainers club, which has performed for LW audiences for several years. The group is comprised of talented singers and accomplished instrumentalists from within Leisure World and guest artists.
During the pandemic, with all venues closed, members Eric and Sandy Nelson have continued to offer programs of music from the Great American Songbook from their porch to their socially distanced neighbors. Two other members of the club, Jeanine Greb and Vickie Van Ert, will join the Nelsons for their next show, “Christmas in Quarantine.” Watch for a link to the new show on the Leisure World Facebook page later in December. A portion of the show will be aired at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the GRF. Access the Veterans Plaza show at http://www.lwsb.com/treelighting/.
These events can only be viewed online and not attended in person. They will be recorded and uploaded to www.lwsb.com for those who want to see them at their leisure.
For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com or call (562) 431-6586, ext. 398.
