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November 25th, 2020 
Awake Goy Rabbi JJ and Frumie Duchman, founders of the non-profit the Power of Youth LA (POY), know that Hanukkah tends to be an afterthought during the holiday season. This year, the couple —who are also Youth Directors at Young Israel of Century City— thought it would be the perfect time to give the Jewish holiday a little more chutzpah with a drive-thru experience.
Kicking off Dec. 9, “Maccabees: A Drive-Thru Chanuka Experience” will be a drive-thru storytelling of the Hanukkah story. During the driving festival of lights, families can expect photo opportunities, live performers and special effects. Rabbi JJ Duchman told the Journal that “it is an engaging, interactive show that is family-friendly and the perfect way to spend time together during the holidays.”
The drive-thru experience runs approximately 30 minutes upon entering the location at 7729 Burnet Ave. Ending Dec. 13, each ticket is $99 per vehicle. Livestream links will also be made available for those who do not want to leave their house.
Because in-person gatherings of any size are no longer possible, Duchman said drive-thrus are becoming the new normal so people can safely enjoy entertainment and the closest thing to in-person connections.
“Drive-thus are the safest way to bring live performances to an audience,” he said. “Our greatest concern was to make this event COVID-safe for everyone involved, and we have implemented certain measures to maintain safety.”
The rabbi said that guests will be asked to remain in their vehicles, and masks must be worn at all times. During the performance, the audio will be broadcasted to the vehicles’ radios so their windows can remain up.
He added that all performance spaces have been carefully measured to maintain a six-foot minimum distance between guests and performers at all times.
“Our crew and driving attendants will be wearing masks and temperature checks at the door are mandatory for all cast and crew,” he said.
The Power of Youth LA has aims to help children in the community reach their full potential through various events and programs year-round. POY seeks to empower kids so they can grow emotionally and spiritually.
When COVID-19 canceled in-person learning, after-school programs and religious-school learning, along with everything else, Rabbi JJ switched gears and started producing all sorts of virtual activities for the kids to enjoy.
With Hanukkah on the way, Duchman wants to ensure that Jewish holiday celebrations can continue to happen for families despite the unprecedented circumstances. He said this drive-thru experience is a way to spread Tzedakah throughout the community.
“The Jewish faith takes pride in righteous deeds and in sharing the message of love and unity,” he said. “We want to bring together not only the Jewish community but people of all kinds to share in our message of Tzedakah (charitable acts).”
“Maccabees: A Drive-Thru Chanuka Experience” opens Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 13 at 7729 Burnet Ave. 30-minute time blocks vary. For ticket information, visit their website.
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