Cars topped with large menorahs parade through West Hartford en route to Hartford and Glastonbury, spreading the message that the ‘Festival of Lights shines for everyone.’

Menorah-topped vehicles get organized in the parking lot behind Crown Supermarket in West Hartford. The Corvette Stingray belongs to Michael Black of Chabad House of Greater Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s first-ever Chanukah Parade kicked off Monday evening as approximately 20 menorah-topped vehicles proceeded from Bishops Corner, down North Main Street and through West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, before heading into Hartford and ultimately arriving at the Benet Rothstein Chabad Jewish Center in Glastonbury.

Michael Black of West Hartford, who is affiliated with the Chabad House of Greater Hartford, said that although the Chanukah Parade is new to this area, “Rabbi Moshe Hecht started this in New Haven with his station wagon more than 30 years ago. We’re just adding to his work.”

The large menorahs are specially made for this purpose, Black said. They attach to the roof of a car with four suction cups and nylon cords.

Black had one affixed to the roof of his car – a shiny blue Corvette Stingray that he had brought out of its winter hibernation in the garage just for the parade.

“The purpose [of the parade] is to remind everyone that Chanukah is the ‘Festival of Lights,’ and that light shines for everyone, on our good deeds. There needs to be more light in the world,” Black said.

Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky, executive director of the Benet Rothstein Chabad Jewish Center in Glastonbury, brought the idea to the Hartford area. “We’re really excited. It’s the first time Hartford has ever had such a thing,” he said.

Organizers were hoping that people would be out along the route, watching the parade of menorahs pass by. They also brought a supply of household menorahs and candles, dreidels, and Chanukah gelt (coins) to hand out along the way.

Chanukah begins Tuesday, Dec. 16, at sunset and last for eight nights and days. “Chanukah is so close. It’s in the air,” Black said.

Large menorahs attach to the roofs of cars in the Chanukah Parade in West Hartford Monday evening. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Cars prepare to join the Chanukah Parade in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The Chanukah Parade passes by Anytime FItness as it proceeds from the Crown Supermarket parking lot in Bishops Corner heading toward West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

‘Chanukah kits,’ which include a menorah, candles, dreidel, and chocolate coins, will be handed out along the parade route. Photo credit: Ronni Newton