GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — To stand in solidarity following the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, Chanukah in the Rockies, a project of Chabad Jewish Community Center of Aspen Valley, will be expanding its reach by bringing the celebration to mountain communities on the Western Slope.
“This year, we light the menorah with even greater purpose,” said Rabbi Hirsch, director of Chanukah in the Rockies. “Terror seeks to silence us, to make us afraid, to drive us into hiding. Our answer is the answer of the Maccabees from the Chanukah story over 2000 years ago: we respond to darkness with more light. We stand proud. We refuse to back down.”
Four Chabad rabbis will travel across the region, stopping in Montrose, Durango, Crested Butte, and Telluride for Chanukah celebrations, which will feature the lighting of a 10-foot menorah, live music, fresh latkes, warm drinks and family activities.
Each menorah lighting will be dedicated to the memory of the people killed in Sunday’s shooting, including Rabbi Schlanger, 10-year-old Matilda Chisholm and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman.
“When I heard the news, my first thought was: that could have been us. That could have been any of our events,” said Rabbi Hirsch. “Rabbi Schlanger’s own words guide us now. When asked how Jews should respond to rising antisemitism, he said: ‘Be more Jewish, act more Jewish, and appear more Jewish.’ That’s exactly what we’re doing.”
The events will be free and open to everyone, regardless of background or affiliation. Chanukah in the Rockies, to ensure the safety of attendees, has arranged for increased police presence at each gathering. Outside of Crested Butte’s celebration, which occurred on Sunday, the upcoming events include:
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In Montrose, the Rockies Chanukah Celebration will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Public Safety Complex.
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In Durango, the Rockies Chanukah Celebration will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m. in the Strater Hotel.
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In Telluride, the Rockies Chanukah Celebration will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 4:30 p.m. in Heritage Plaza at Mountain Village.
“Everyone should be able to celebrate Chanukah to the fullest, no matter where they are,” said Director of Chabad Aspen Jewish Community Center Rabbi Mendel Mintz. “In places with little Jewish infrastructure, these celebrations become even more meaningful. They’re about connection, pride, and refusing to let hatred win.”
In 1973, the public menorah campaign was launched by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. In 2025, over 15,000 public memorahs will be taking place worldwide.
To RSVP to the events or learn more about Chanukah in the Rockies, visit hanukkahrockies.com.
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