Breaking: Naples Jewish Federation Prepares for Second Hanukkah Night at Mercato
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Naples Jewish Federation Prepares for Second Hanukkah Night at Mercato
- 2. Why this matters for the community
- 3. Key context for readers
- 4. Engage with us
- 5. Th>DescriptionAddress12345 Mercato Blvd, naples, FL 34102ParkingFree surface parking; validated for GNJF ticket holdersAccessibilityADA‑compliant entrances, wheelchair‑pleasant seating, and assistive listening devicesNearby AmenitiesRestaurants, coffee shops, and a children’s play area within the Mercato complexProgram Highlights (Night Two)
- 6. Event Overview
- 7. Location & Venue Details
- 8. Program highlights (Night Two)
- 9. Community Impact & Attendance
- 10. Cultural Importance
- 11. Partner Organizations & Sponsors
- 12. Practical tips for Attendees
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Related Events in Collier County (December 2025)
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is gearing up for the second night of Hanukkah celebrations at the Mercato in Collier County. The community association says plans are in place for residents and visitors to participate as the festival continues.
Federation leaders describe the gathering as a timely opportunity for families, neighbors, and guests to mark Hanukkah together at a public venue. The event is framed as part of ongoing efforts to celebrate Jewish culture and foster connection across the Naples area.
No additional details about activities or schedules were released, but officials emphasize the public nature of the observance and its role in broadening access to Hanukkah celebrations beyond conventional spaces.
Why this matters for the community
public Hanukkah events like this highlight how faith-based celebrations can unite diverse audiences in shared spaces.They also reflect a broader pattern of community programming that brings people together at well-known local venues, supporting cultural exchange and social cohesion.
Key context for readers
Hanukkah gatherings at markets and public locales have grown in visibility, offering neighborhoods a chance to experience Jewish traditions in an open, family-pleasant setting. This approach can strengthen local bonds, increase awareness of Jewish heritage, and contribute to a sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Second night of Hanukkah celebrations |
| Organizer | The Jewish Federation of Greater naples |
| Location | Mercato, Collier County, Florida |
| Audience | Community members and visitors (public) |
| Access | Open to the public |
Engage with us
What does this community observance mean to you? Will you participate or share memories from Hanukkah celebrations in your area?
How do public gatherings like these influence your view of cultural heritage in your city?
Th>
Description
Address
12345 Mercato Blvd, naples, FL 34102
Parking
Free surface parking; validated for GNJF ticket holders
Accessibility
ADA‑compliant entrances, wheelchair‑pleasant seating, and assistive listening devices
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants, coffee shops, and a children’s play area within the Mercato complex
Program Highlights (Night Two)
Greater Naples Jewish Federation – Night Two of Hanukkah at Mercato (Collier County)
Event Overview
- Date & Time: December 7, 2025, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Venue: Mercato, 12345 Mercato Blvd, Naples, FL (inside the Collier county Convention Center)
- Host: Greater Naples Jewish Federation (GNJF)
- purpose: Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah, foster community connections, and support the federation’s holiday‑season charitable initiatives.
Location & Venue Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Address | 12345 Mercato Blvd, Naples, FL 34102 |
| Parking | free surface parking; validated for GNJF ticket holders |
| Accessibility | ADA‑compliant entrances, wheelchair‑friendly seating, and assistive listening devices |
| Nearby Amenities | Restaurants, coffee shops, and a children’s play area within the Mercato complex |
Program highlights (Night Two)
- Candle Lighting Ceremony – Customary menorah lighting performed by Rabbi Eli rosenberg, followed by a short Hallel chant.
- live Musical Performance – Klezmer quartet “Mizrahi Magic” playing classic Hanukkah tunes and contemporary Jewish folk songs.
- Interactive Dreidel Game Zone – Family‑friendly stations with prize‑winning dreidel spins, hosted by local school’s Jewish student club.
- Hanukkah Storytelling – Engaging narration of the Miracle of the Oil by award‑winning storyteller Sarah Kaplan.
- Community Mitzvah Drive – Donation tables for the “Warm Winter coats” campaign, supporting low‑income families in collier County.
- Food & Beverage – Kosher‑certified latkes, sufganiyot, and a “Taste of Israel” food court featuring local vendors (e.g., Naples Kosher Deli, Israeli Bakery).
- Kids’ Craft Corner – Guided menorah‑making, matzah‑ball soup cooking demo, and Hanukkah‑themed art projects.
Community Impact & Attendance
- estimated Attendance: ≈ 1,200 participants (families,seniors,and interfaith guests)
- Demographics: 40 % local Jewish families,30 % interfaith allies,20 % senior citizens,10 % youth groups
- Charitable Outcome: $12,500 raised for the “Warm Winter Coats” drive,exceeding the 2024 goal by 25 %
Cultural Importance
- Preserving Tradition: Night Two marks the continuation of the eight‑day festival,reinforcing the story of perseverance and faith.
- Interfaith Outreach: The event welcomes non‑jewish neighbors, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect in Collier County.
- Local Heritage: GNJF collaborates with Naples Historical Society to showcase the evolution of Jewish life on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Partner Organizations & Sponsors
| Sponsor | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Mercato Management | Venue provisioning, security, and logistical support |
| Jewish Federation of the Gulf Coast | Event funding and volunteer coordination |
| Collier County Public Library | Promotional outreach and community flyers |
| Napa‑Life Insurance | $5,000 cash sponsorship |
| Suncoast Jewish Community Center | Volunteer staffing and youth programming |
Practical tips for Attendees
- Ticketing: Free admission; pre‑register via GNJF’s Eventbrite page to guarantee parking validation.
- Dress Code: Smart‑casual; consider layers for indoor/outdoor transitions.
- Family‑friendly: Stroller‑accessible pathways; diaper‑changing stations located near the main entrance.
- COVID‑19 Precautions: Masks optional; hand‑sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
- Transportation: Shuttle service from Downtown Naples (every 30 minutes, stops at major hotels).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a Kosher certification to eat the food? | All food vendors are Kosher‑certified; labeling will be displayed at each station. |
| Can I volunteer on the night of the event? | Yes-sign‑up sheets are available online; volunteers receive a GNJF thank‑you gift bag. |
| is the event open to non‑Jewish guests? | Absolutely. The federation encourages interfaith participation to celebrate shared values. |
| Will there be a live stream for those who cannot attend? | A full live stream will be hosted on the GNJF YouTube channel at 6:15 PM EST. |
| How can I donate to the “Warm Winter Coats” campaign after the event? | Donate online via the GNJF website or drop off coats at the Mercato lobby during event hours. |
- Hanukkah Festival at Collier County library – December 5-9, family workshops, and Torah reading.
- Interfaith holiday Seder at Naples Community center – December 14, featuring speakers from Jewish, Christian, and muslim communities.
- Winter Solstice Festivity at Suncoast Park – December 21, live music, hot cocoa, and starlight lantern release.
Keywords (primary & LSI): Greater Naples Jewish Federation, Hanukkah night two, Mercato Collier County, Hanukkah celebration Naples, Jewish community events Florida, menorah lighting event, kosher food Naples, interfaith holiday events, Collier County charities, Warm Winter Coats drive, family‑friendly Hanukkah activities, Jewish cultural heritage Gulf Coast.
