An Autonomous World Starts with a Robotic Chanukah

Chanukah also comes from the word Chinuch, which means education. During this holiday we are supposed to gather our families together and educate our children and ourselves, about the miracles done for us on a constant basis. Together with recalling the original Chanukah miracles, we remind our families about the personal family stories that we each have, that brought us to where we are today.

Chanukah (sometimes spelled Hanukkah or Hanuka), which is also known as the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Wednesday, December 25th, 2024, and concludes 8 days later, on the evening of Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. It recalls the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom. They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah (the 9th branch is to help light the other 8). Today, people of all faiths consider this holiday a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness. Additional information about the holiday is available at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Holidays.

This year’s menorah lighting is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during a time that is so difficult for the people in Israel. The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the world's craziness, as it did for generations before us. The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Each additional act of goodness and kindness, fills that corner of the world with light, slowly catching on and spreading like wildfire. One act of goodness and kindness can make all the difference.

Uniquely, at the core of Chanuka’s observance is sharing the light with others who may not be experiencing it. What better time or place to celebrate, than at this year's 21st annual Street Fair celebration in Highland Lakes! This year's theme will be Robotic Chanukah, featuring the world-renowned Sophia the Robot, Robodog and several other robot celebrities! The free family-friendly event will this year take place on Sunday, December 29th, 2024/5785 beginning at 3:30 p.m. with pony rides, a petting zoo, an Obstacle Course, Laser Tag, Bounce House and other fun activities. This year's Street Fair will also feature Pedal Yard, teaching kids how to ride a 2 wheel bike on their own. There will also be a food court, holiday boutique, with music and lots of surprises throughout the day. As a family man who is deeply involved in the community, I must say that there is no better way to spend that Sunday. Adults and children alike, are welcomed to join the many dignitaries and community leaders for an enjoyable and a meaningfully fun time for everyone.

The idea behind a Robotic Chanukah is, as the world gets ready for Moshiach, where we will all be busy with studying Torah and doing Mitzvahs, we will have robots helping us with our regular daily mundane tasks. Since Chanukah comes from the word Chinuch (education), we need to educate ourselves and prepare ourselves for an autonomous world, so that we can stay focused on what really matters!

Sophia is the most realistic humanoid robot capable of displaying humanlike expressions and interacting with people. She’s the world's first robot to hold a passport and an Ambassador for the United Nations (whatever that's worth). This will be Sophia's first official Chanukah Celebration and her first time lighting a Menorah!

Throughout the State of Florida, Chabad will be organizing scores of giant menorah displays of all sorts, including a grand celebration with the Miami Heat on January 1st, 2025, a huge concert at Rick Case Arena and scores of others. To find a local event here in Florida, or anywhere throughout the world, visit Chabad’s international Chanukah event directory at ChabadChayil.org/Chanukah or the Jewish community’s local directory at: https://JewishFlorida.news/events.

This year, Chabad-organized menorah parades will see over 8,000 Chanukah menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Chanukah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighborhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Chanukah with pride. Chabad centers worldwide have prepared over 32 million Chanukah candles, more than 700,000 menorah kits and 2.5 million holiday guides in 17 languages.

Large display Menorahs are available at many online sources and can still get to you in time for the holiday. If you need a menorah or candles for yourself, or need any help celebrating the holiday or finding a large Menorah to display at your place of work, please call your local Chabad or my office at: (305) 770-1919. My favorite is the new LED ones available at: https://bit.ly/lightupmenorah. We can also help you plan your own Chanukah event, Menorah lighting or Latke party. And if you book early enough, we can send you a group of Yeshiva students to liven up or help run your event.

We hope and pray for an end to all violence in the world, the return of all hostages and the eradication of all evil. We know that at the end goodness and light will prevail, and that even though we are outnumbered, righteousness will endure.

We wish you and your family a very happy Chaunkah. May our days be filled with light, warmth, joy and positive energy, and always increasing, just like the Menorah lights that increase with each day.

To join us for the beautiful annual free Chanukah event, become a vendor or sponsor, call (305) 770-1919 or visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/events. To learn about the new Chabad Educational Center or the available dedications, visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/Build.

The Author
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org. You can also support the community with your partnership at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner.