Community gathers for annual Festival of Lights celebration in Ladera Ranch
Jason Henderson, 5, of Ladera Ranch lights his candle before the lighting of the Menorah at the Town Green in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. The 17th annual Menorah Lighting was held in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
The 17th annual Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights celebration was held at the Town Green on Sunday, Dec. 22, drawing a crowd of residents.
The event is held in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo and featured the traditional lighting of the menorah along with activities for families such as face painting and crafts to make.
Foiled wrapped chocolate coins called gelt and other traditional treats were also shared.
Jason Henderson, 5, of Ladera Ranch holds his candle during the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Rabbi Zalman Marcus of Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo sings after lighting the Menorah in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. The 17th annual Menorah Lighting was held in partnership with Chabad of Mission Viejo. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Noah Buchanan, 6, left, looks in the mirror after having his face painted at the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
David Harbour of Ladera Ranch, center, offers a foil-wrapped chocolate coin called Gelt to a child during the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees listen as Rabbi Zalman Marcus, right, and David Harbour, left, lead the Menorah lighting ceremony in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. The 17th annual Menorah Lighting was held in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Shon Engle and his daughters Carys, 10, and Eden, 7, from left, serve themselves latkes at the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Rabbi Zalman Marcus, left, of Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo and David Harbour, right, chair of the Jewish Community of Ladera Ranch, light the Menorah in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. The 17th annual Menorah lighting was held in partnership with Chabad of Mission Viejo. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Jason Henderson, 5, of Ladera Ranch lights his candle before the lighting of the Menorah at the Town Green in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. The 17th annual Menorah Lighting was held in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Layla Maarup, 6, left, of Mission Viejo, works on a craft project at the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Blakely Landsman, 6, of Ladera Ranch has her face painted during the 17th annual Menorah lighting event in Ladera Ranch on Sunday, December 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
