Pasadena Rotary Celebrates Its First-Ever Chanukah Christmas Party

The Rotary club celebrated its first Chanukah Christmas party on Wednesday evening with 120 members and guests at Jacob Maarse Florists in the Pasadena Playhouse District.

Rotary Club President Mel Cohen, whose Jewish roots inspired the party, said it would probably be the first and last Chanukah Rotary celebrates.

“This was the best holiday party we’ve had in years. It’s so nice to be in this setting, at a traditional florist. It really makes it feel like the Holidays. We did both Christmas and Chanukah very well,” Judy Taylor said.

Rabbi Marvin Gross, CEO of Union Station, explained the meaning of Hanukah and performed a ceremonial lighting of the menorah.

Jane Waas coordinated the beautiful event amidst the floral arrangements and Christmas decorations in Jacob Maarse.

“Rotary is one of the oldest international philanthropic organizations. Anywhere you go in the world, Rotary has a presence. They’re one of the first clubs to help eradicate Polio. Polio has now been eradicated in all but three countries,” Rotary Club President Mel Cohen said. “Anyone who’s anyone in Pasadena is a Rotarian.”