Chanukah-themed fair to be held this Sunday, Dec. 22.

The leaders of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Highland Park like to think big with their educational activities.

The shul is planning a massive Mitzvah Fair this Sunday, with 19 different activity areas designed to appeal to children of all ages, parents, grandparents, and those interested in learning more about a range of mitzvot that they may take for granted.

“The Mitzvah Fair will be an exciting hands-on interactive learning experience, which is the most effective way to learn anything,” said Rabbi Steven Miodownik, rav of Congregation Ahavas Achim. “With many Chanukah-themed booths and tons of other activities for all ages, the Mitzvah Fair will allow all who come to choose from dozens of learning options in a fun and festive environment. We are so proud to offer this unique event to the broader community, and we look forward to seeing young and old filling our shul with energy on the Sunday before Chanukah.”

The Mitzvah Fair will be held this Sunday, December 22, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the synagogue, located at 216 S. 1st Avenue, Highland Park, and will feature the following activity stations:

• Oil pressing
• Candle making
• Virtual reality tour of the Beit HaMikdash
• Chanukah puppet show
• Tzitzit tying
• Guess the Dreidel
• Doughnut decorating
• Chanukah crafts
• Toy drive
• Canned food drive
• Gelt making
• Meet Yehudah Maccabee
• Mommy & Me
• Dreidel Olympics
• Lettuce checking
• Scavenger hunt
• Grape juice stomping
• Kosher haircutting

The Mitzvah Fair will include a cooking demonstration by Naomi Nachman, “The Aussie Gourmet” kosher personal chef, pioneer of the “Kosher Chopped” competitions and author of the “Perfect Pesach” and “Perfect Flavors” cookbooks. Nachman is a well-known blogger, influencer and host who has traveled to 40 countries and 48 U.S. states for her work.

Admission to the Mitzvah Fair is $10 per person and $35 per family in advance, and $15 per person and $50 per family at the door. There is an additional fee for the virtual reality and oil pressing activities.

The Mitzvah Fair is the product of months of planning and a wide and enthusiastic group of volunteers. And it builds on the success the shul experienced with its first Mitzvah Fair, held in September 2023, with the theme of the Yomim Noraim.

Shul member Lauren Cooper, a mother of three young children who co-chairs the event, told The Jewish Link that she got involved because “I really wanted to be part of something that brings the community together and inspires families to learn and connect through mitzvot.” Asked what excites her most about the upcoming event, she said: “I love how interactive and creative the Mitzvah Fair is—there’s something for everyone! The oil pressing and candle making stations are such a cool way to connect with the Chanukah story, and I know my kids will be fascinated by the VR tour of the Beit HaMikdash—it’s such a fun way to bring history to life.”

Shul member Teri Sofair-Fisch, a mother of four young children, said: “I decided to chair the Mitzvah Fair this year because my experience on the planning committee last year motivated me to help create a meaningful event for our community. I’m excited to help bring people together to explore different mitzvot in a hands-on way. My favorite part of the Mitzvah Fair is the energy and excitement it brings to people of all ages. Last year, my older son was engrossed in solving clues for the scavenger hunt, while my younger kids loved the holiday-themed crafts and making challah.”

Rob Haarburger, a vice president of the shul who is overseeing the planning and promotion of the Mitzvah Fair, told The Jewish Link: “This event really reflects the best traditions of our shul. We believe in creating fun, family-friendly opportunities that engage our children and their parents in meaningful Jewish education in ways that create lifelong memories and bring people together. This approach hit a grand slam in our first Mitzvah Fair last year, and we’re excited to build on it this year, and reposition it to expand on the joy and excitement of Chanukah.”

For more information on the Mitzvah Fair, and to make a reservation in advance, please visit: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/mitzvah/2024

Harry Glazer is The Middlesex Community editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback.