ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — “The Jewish pride that we have throughout the Menorah Parade is something incredible.” Rabbi Mendel Lebovics of the Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg explains the upcoming Thursday, Dec. 22 event celebrating Hanukkah, the eight-day celebration known as The Festival of Lights.

What You Need To Know

  • Event begins at 6 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg

  • Procession to reach St. Pete Beach's Beach Zone parking lot close to 6:45 p.m.

  • Music, menorah lighting and latkes

  • Parade marks Hanukkah, the 8-night celebration of light in the Jewish faith

“As a rabbi, to be able to participate as a leader in the community, it’s unbelievable,” said Lebovics. “Every car has music going out of it, people are waving, beeping.”

Lebovics credits his family of rabbis for lighting the way to his vocation.

“My grandfather, I grew up in his community,” said Lebovics. “He was the rabbi, he is a rabbi still today. And I learned from him in so many ways.”

Lebovics brings his light to work with Rabbi Alter Korf.

Korf started the center two decades ago.

“As it gets dark, we are reminded that is our job to increase in light,” said Korf. “And the way to dispel darkness is to light another candle.”

Like his new co-worker.

“I went to school, l learned to become a rabbi, and every single moment of learning, learning the Torah, learning the Jewish wisdom — it really got ingrained in me,” said Lebovics, “and it’s a special thing to give that over to Jewish people, Jewish friends, all types of people.”

Parade Route

The parade starts at the center at 6 p.m. at Park Street North and Alternate 19 in St. Petersburg.

It ends on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach at the Beach Zone across from the TradeWinds Hotel.  

Look for the parade procession to arrive at Beach Zone close to 6:45 p.m. — for a menorah lighting and celebration.