Families from Neighborhoods Adjacent to L.A. LIVE and Los Angeles Convention Center Treated to Dual Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Celebrations as Holidays and Cultures Come Together for the First Time Since 1888
WHAT: Break out the Menorah and the pumpkin pie because this WednesdayThanksgiving Eve and Hanukkah are colliding in an event that could only be known as Thanksgivukkah.
To commemorate the first time that Thanksgiving Eve has coincided with the first day of Hanukkah since 1888, the Salvation Army’s fifth annual Feast of Sharing Holiday Dinner will have a dual meaning and purpose when it takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The celebration also marks the first event in AEG’s Season of Giving, the company’s annual initiative designed to raise funds and generate awareness for non-profit organizations that serve youth and families residing in low income households in Los Angeles County.
Thanksgivukkah 2013 will be celebrated by approximately 1,300 members of families from the neighboring Pico Union community who will come together with members of the local Chabad House to share holiday traditions, cultural games and stories. The evening will include a sit-down combined Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Eve meal with all the trimmings, such as traditional latkahs and everyone’s favorite cranberry sauce. The festivities will include music and the lighting of a Hanukkah Menorah by Rabbi Greenwald, Salvation Army Officers and special guests.
A second lighting ceremony will take place at approximately 7 p.m. outside of STAPLES Center’s Figueroa St. entry.
WHO:
- Rabbi Moshe Greenwald and other guests of Chabad House of California
- Former Los Angeles Councilwoman Jan Perry
- Major Kyle Smith, Southern California Divisional Secretary of The Salvation Army
- Lt. Colonel Douglas Riley, Southern California Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army
- Irene Lewis, Executive Director of Los Angeles Red Shield Youth and Community Center
- Ned Colletti, General Manager of the Dodgers
- Anna Gomez, representing City Council Member Gil Cedillo
- Yeghig Keshishian, representing Mayor Garcetti’s office
- Nickelodeon Stars:
- Chico Benymon, Curtis Harris Jr., Breanna Yde, Benjamin “Lil P-Nut” Flores Jr. – “The Haunted Hathaways”
- Rosa Blasi, Diego Velazquez, Jack Griffo – “The Thundermans”
- Sydney Park, Tylen Jacob Williams, Damarr Calhoun – “Instant Mom”
- Cameron Ocasio – “Sam & Cat”
- Jeff Sutphen – host of “Figure It Out”
- Jason Everhart – Nick Radio DJ
WHEN: Wednesday, November 27
- 5 p.m. – meals being served
- 6 p.m. – special presentation and candle lighting
WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall
PHOTO OPPS:
- VIP and celebrity guests preparing and serving meals to more than 1,300 guests
- Guests from the Pico Union District of Los Angeles enjoying a holiday meal
- Special Hanukkah history lesson from Rabbi Greenwald including lighting of the first night Hanukkah candles (6 p.m.)
- Lighting of the 9 ft. (outdoor) Menorah at Figueroa Street and 12th Street (7 p.m.)
- Live Entertainment, including:
- The Salvation Army Quartet
- Red Shield Guitar Class and Vocalist, “Agripina Vega”
- Nickelodeon DJ through dinner
- Klesmer band with traditional Hanukkah music
MORE INFO: This holiday collision was not possible prior to President Abraham Lincoln establishing Thanksgiving in 1863 and will not overlap again for another 77,798 years (although Hanukkah will fall on actual Thanksgiving day in 2070 and 2165)! Encompassing the traditions of people from various backgrounds, this event will truly bring the spirit of the season to the people of Los Angeles.
