Key Largo Chabad to Light Grand Menorah in Islamorada

Chabad of Key Largo will launch the eight day Festival of Lights with a community grand menorah lighting at Robbie's of Islamorada on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. The event will mark the first night of Hanukkah and is open to all. The free public celebration will feature latkes, donuts and gelt, children's crafts, and festive music, creating a family friendly atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Rabbi Yisroel Shur, director of Chabad of Key Largo, said, "Hanukkah is about bringing light into the world, one flame at a time." Public menorah lightings were launched more than 50 years ago by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to highlight the themes of resilience, faith and adding light in times of darkness. The waterfront menorah lighting at Robbie's traditionally draws participation from locals and tourists, and organizers say the event aims to be welcoming and inclusive.

For Monroe County the gathering offers cultural and economic benefits as well as logistical and public health considerations. Community celebrations strengthen social ties and provide mental health benefits through shared ritual and support, especially during the winter season. They also bring customers to waterfront businesses and support seasonal tourism. At the same time mass gatherings require planning for crowd management, clear access for emergency services, and attention to accessibility so that people using wheelchairs and families with young children can participate safely and comfortably.

Public health officials recommend that residents follow current county guidance on infectious diseases and stay home if they are ill. Attendees should consult the event page at chabadkeylargo.com/menorah for arrival details and any organizer notices. Because the event is free, it lowers economic barriers to participation and helps ensure that people across income levels can join a public celebration.

As Hanukkah unfolds over eight nights, the menorah lighting at Robbie's will serve as one of several local opportunities to gather, reflect and celebrate. The event reflects broader community efforts to combine cultural life with attention to safety, inclusion and the public infrastructure needed to support shared civic moments.