Clermont Chanukah party celebrated with an array of story-telling, music, opera and comedy

CLERMONT-The Jewish Friends Club of Kings Ridge and Temple L'Chayim hosted a Clermont Chanukah party that was open to the entire community on the first night of Chanukah. There was a special Chanukah candle lighting ceremony performed by Cantor Isaac Kriger, and Rabbi Howard Schwartz of Temple L'Chayim. This annual celebration was a terrific opportunity for the community to join together and to learn about Jewish tradition, history, culture and heritage. Almost 150 attendees of all ages, cultures and beliefs attended.

The Chanukah Story was performed by Cantor Kriger with his wife Elizabeth Brahm-Kriger, a singer accompanist, and Rabbi Schwartz presented the story of Chanukah with a medley of traditional Chanukah and Jewish music. It was a festive evening of entertaining opera, classical music and festive songs from across the globe with delightful comedy. Tenor singer Victor Vidal of Chili was a surprise guest who received a standing ovation for his wonderful operatic performances

The program also featured famous British comedian and seasoned headliner, Larry Larkin, who has been featured internationally on British TV as well as on cruise ships, in comedy clubs and theatres from Great Britain to the U.S. He has opened shows for Lanie Kazan, Al Martino and most recently for Charo on their tours throughout Florida. Larkin is a very family-friendly, tasteful and truly zany comedian who captures his audience's heart and leaves them bursting with laughter. 

Topping off the evening was an array of delicious Chanukah potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce, fruit, cookies, cakes, drinks and traditional holiday treats, catered by Too Jays Deli of Ocoee, Fla. Publix Supermarkets donated a large Happy Chanukah cake.

Temple L'Chayim will soon be moving to the Clermont City Center with a grand re-opening on Friday, Jan. 9. The service will be open to the entire community.

For more information about Temple L'Chayim, call Nathan Axel at 352-242-6135 or visit: http://www.TempleLChayim.com. For more information on The Jewish Friends Club of Kings Ridge, contact Jay Forman at 352-241-6030.