Menorah Lighting in Montecito

The first public menorah lighting in Montecito is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the Upper Village Green, on the corner of San Ysidro Road and East Valley. The event is likely to become an annual tradition to add to Montecito’s array of holiday celebrations. 

Rabbi Chaim and Mushkie Loschak, founders of Chabad of Montecito, are heading up the event, which will include arts and crafts for the kids, a magic show, music, latkes, and donuts, as well as attendance by local leaders. Chabad of Montecito was founded in 2022 based on the core teaching of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who believed that every Jew is an integral and indispensable part of the Jewish community. The Chabad organization seeks to serve the Jewish community’s physical and spiritual needs; whether it be a class, a visit to the elderly, helping someone in financial need, a prayer service, counseling, etc. “It’s not an easy time in the world for Jews,” said Rabbi Chaim. “We have to stick together. We are going to overcome.”

The Rabbi and his wife moved to the area about a year ago, with the call to get involved in the local Jewish community. Their idea to bring a Menorah lighting came to life with the help of several sponsors, including the Montecito Association and the Jewish Federation of Santa Barbara, among others. 

Menorah lightings take place all over the world, giving Jews and non-Jews a message of hope and freedom. The Rabbi said there will be an added security presence at the event, given the war in Gaza. 

The event will take place from 4 pm to 5:15 pm, with the lighting at 4:50 pm. For more information, visit www.jewishmontecito.org.