Candle Lighting Hanukah Celebration in the Heart of Calabasas Honoring ``Heroes of Freedom'' -- the United States Troops.

Calendar Editors/City Desks/News Editors

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2002

The Commons at Calabasas in collaboration with The Calabasas Shul is proud to present the 5th Annual Candle Lighting Hanukah Celebration honoring the "Heroes of Freedom" -- the United States Armed Forces. This exciting community celebration is scheduled to take place on December 4th, 2002, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at The Commons at Calabasas on Calabasas Road south of the 101 between Valley Circle and Parkway Calabasas.

"This year's celebration is especially unique as we honor those throughout the world who at this very moment defend us," says Rick Caruso, the owner of The Commons at Calabasas and the current President of the Police Commission for the City of Los Angeles. "This event is truly special as it gives the community an opportunity to celebrate past and present `Heroes of Freedom,' bringing our communities even closer together."

The event will include the traditional candle lighting of a ten-foot Hanukah menorah, free hot latkes (kosher potato pancakes) and doughnuts, live music performed by the U.S. Marine Marching Band, Brad Schachter and the Kadima Hebrew Academy Children's Choir. Four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will display their finest including a scaled model destroyer, an F-16 Jet, several Humzees and more. And, of course, at the close of the event, a spectacular fireworks show.

"Lighting the 6th candle of Hanukah with thousands of friends and neighbors from throughout the Los Angeles area is an unforgettable experience, as we have seen in the past 4 years," says Rabbi Yakov Vann, Rabbi of The Calabasas Shul. "Hanukah is a celebration of heroes and victory; we are proud to dedicate this event to the `Heroes of Freedom' and send our prayers and support for those in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families."

For further information or directions to the event, please call 818/591-7485.

About The Commons at Calabasas

One of the few of its kind, The Commons at Calabasas is an open-air, European style shopping center located in the heart of Calabasas and nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains. The Commons at Calabasas is a community meeting place where people of all ages enjoy the streams, fountains, sculptures and music. Along with the various shops and restaurants, it is common to see people strolling on the broad walkways and reading on the many outdoor benches and chairs.

About The Calabasas Shul

Headed by Rabbi Yakov Vann, The Calabasas Shul is a synagogue located in the rolling hills of Calabasas Park. The Shul serves the Jewish Community from the West Valley to the Conejo, offering traditional services together with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a refreshing place to encounter G-d as well as meet new and old friends.