UJA-Federation Grant Allows 150 Kids and their Parents to Celebrate Chanukah with 14-Foot Lego Menorah

December 6, 2011 (Port Jefferson Station, NY) — A 14-foot menorah made of Legos stood tall at the end of the day, a reminder that the Jewish holiday Chanukah is coming soon. UJA-Federation of New York sponsored this project that brought together 150 kids, their parents, and 60,000 Legos in a two-hour scramble to build the enormous Chanukah menorah.

Excited boys and girls eagerly put on their UJA-Federation t-shirts and got to work. Teams of four kids, working with a parent, constructed cubes of brightly colored Legos.  The cubes were then assembled by architect Steven Schwartz into the sky-high menorah.

UJA-Federation of New York’s Long Island Program Services Cabinet (LIPSC) gave a grant for this project to the Central Suffolk Jewish Alliance (CSJA), who coordinated this Chanukah-themed event. "We're so glad that this grant from UJA-Federation resulted in such a creative, meaningful day for the kids and their parents. LIPSC's goal was to encourage engagement in the Suffolk Jewish community and I think we achieved that goal," said Robin Spielman, LIPSC chair.

Chanukah is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays of the year and this was a particularly great way to celebrate. The 14-foot menorah was a powerful reminder that Chanukah is on the way. “What could be better than the happy sounds of 150 kids celebrating a joyous Jewish holiday together?” said Beth Berman, CSJA president.

About UJA-Federation of New York

UJA-Federation of New York, the world’s largest local philanthropy, raises funds that sustain the activities of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors to those with disabilities and special needs. With a reach that spans New York, Israel, and 60 countries around the globe, we touch the lives of 4.5 million people every year, fulfilling a mission to care for people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities in New York, in Israel, and around the world. For more information, visit www.ujafedny.org.

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