WHAT:
Stew Leonard's celebrates Chanukah on Wednesday, December 5 at the Norwalk store with a giant menorah lighting and party for family and friends. State and local dignitaries will be on hand to help Rabbi Hecht, from Beth Israel Synagogue of Westport/Norwalk lead the ceremonial lighting.

The community is welcome to attend the free Chanukah celebration and menorah lighting ceremony, where families can participate in traditional dancing, holiday songs and enjoy complimentary potato latkes, kosher cookies and juice.

Children from the Synagogue will perform horah dancing, which is a traditional and symbolic circle dance, sung to songs like: "Chanukah, Oh Chanukah." Kids will receive dreidels and gelt from Rabbi Hecht.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day religious celebration where people of the Jewish faith honor their religious freedom and commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

The menorah is lit for eight-days to commemorate this miracle. There are nine candleholders on the menorah, one for each night of Chanukah, plus another one called the Shamash, which is used to light the other eight candles. Families gather at nightfall to rekindle the menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and share in festive meals.

WHO:
Rabbi Hecht has led Stew Leonard's annual menorah lighting for 15 years. Local officials will be on hand to assist Rabbi Hecht in leading the ceremony.

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 5^th outside of Stew Leonard's, located at 100 Westport Avenue in Norwalk.

• The menorah lighting ceremony/photo opportunity will begin at 5:00 P.M. sharp, adjacent to the store entrance.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rabbi Hecht: 203.866.0534
Meghan Flynn, Stew Leonard's: 203.667.0241