Carefree’s 8-Night Celebration of Culture
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
When Karen Acker answered an unexpected phone call during her New York summer vacation in 2017, she couldn’t have imagined she was about to help launch what would become one of Carefree’s most cherished holiday traditions. That call from town officials sparked the creation of Chanukah in Carefree, now entering its eighth year of bringing light, unity and cultural understanding to the desert community.
“It’s about becoming enlightened,” says Acker, who coordinates the eight-night celebration. “It doesn’t matter what faith you are. There’s always something to learn culturally or to develop compassion for. Especially these days, understanding others is so important.”
Carefree Mayor John Crane sees the event as a reflection of the town’s values.
“Chanukah in Carefree embodies the small-town sense of community and inclusiveness that characterizes Carefree,” he says. “The music, storytelling, cultural sharing, and community participation that are a part of the eight nights of the lighting of the menorah are always a much anticipated and welcome part of our community.”
The free community event, running Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, features nightly menorah lightings alongside diverse programming that ranges from musical performances to storytelling. Each evening showcases different aspects of Jewish culture while embracing the broader community spirit that defines Carefree.
“I never expected something like this in Carefree,” Acker recalls hearing from attendees year after year. “They find it so rewarding, educational and culturally significant.”
The celebration has evolved significantly since its inception. What began as a challenge to fill eight nights of programming has transformed into a carefully curated series of events that bring together various Jewish organizations and the broader community.
Temple Chai’s musical evening, a consistent crowd favorite, typically draws about 250 people for an evening of song and traditional foods. The Shabbat ceremony, led by Temple Kol Ami, invites participants of all backgrounds to join in prayers and blessings — complete with provided “cheat sheets” for newcomers.
One of the most powerful evenings features Holocaust survivor Jack Adler sharing his story of survival and hope. Despite losing his entire family to the Nazis, Adler’s message remains one of optimism and understanding.
“The takeaway message is simply the Golden Rule — treat others the way you would like to be treated,” says Adler. “When this is achieved, we can all live in peace.”
The event has grown to encompass more than just cultural celebration. Through its Spirit of Giving initiative, this year’s festival supports the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, which serves communities across a 200-square-mile area. Nightly raffles featuring prizes from local businesses — including a $1,500 trip to Antigua and luxury spa packages — will benefit the food bank’s mission of providing vital resources to those in need.
“It says a lot about Carefree because there aren’t many towns—if any—that are making this kind of commitment,” Acker notes. “We put aside politics, antisemitism and our differences to find our common ground and celebrate it in a positive way.”
The celebration seamlessly blends traditional elements with modern touches. Each night features different aspects of Jewish culture, from traditional potato latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) to contemporary innovations. On Dec. 26, the second night of the celebration, Jade Palace will serve Chinese food — a nod to the Jewish-American tradition of enjoying Chinese cuisine during the holiday season.
The event thrives through generous support from the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, Kiwanis of Carefree, Humana, APS, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Temple Chai, the town of Carefree and the Greater Carefree and Cave Creek community. Local businesses and organizations have enthusiastically joined in supporting the event, demonstrating the strong community bonds that make Carefree unique.
Moreover, the festival has become a cherished tradition for many families, including the Baumans, who have participated since the beginning.
“It’s been amazing to see this family grow up with Chanukah in Carefree,” Acker shares. “They started with two children and now have four! The babies come every year — it’s so heartwarming.”
Security measures have been enhanced this year to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, allowing the focus to remain on celebration and community building. As the 6 1/2-foot menorah stands ready to shine its light across eight December nights, Chanukah in Carefree exemplifies how a small town’s embrace of cultural celebration can illuminate the path toward greater understanding and unity.
“I hope it continues for years to come,” Acker reflects. “It’s about letting the light shine—both the Chanukah lights and the light within us. That’s why I’m so committed to this event. It’s very important to me, and thankfully also to many others who volunteer, support and attend this event every year!”
Chanukah in Carefree
Dec. 25–Jan. 1 // 5:30 p.m. // Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion // 101 Easy St., Carefree // Free // chanukahincarefree.com
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