Hanukkah decorations stolen from rabbi’s front yard in Coral Gables

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A South Florida rabbi says he is determined to bring more light to the Hanukkah holiday, after decorations are stolen from his front yard in Coral Gables.

The two big inflatables were taken from the front of Chany Stolik and Chabad Rabbi Avraham Stolik’s home last week.

“It was an eight-foot tall menorah and a seven-foot tall dreidel that said Happy Hanukkah,” said Chany Stolik, homeowner.

Rabbi Stolik says that he was in shock that someone would steal his decorations, but is pleased at how his community has come together to support his family.

“Here’s what I have to tell the Grinch who took it, he may have taken the menorah off our lawn and it’s not bright and shining here, but guess what? He now has menorahs across Coral Gables windows. The support was, your menorah is gone, we’re going to light ours in support,” said Chany Stolik.

The response to this theft has been to shine the light even brighter. There will be a community menorah lighting at Ponce Circle Park on 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Sunday evening, at 4 p.m.

“At the time there are thieves lurking in the darkness, that’s when we shine the light,” said Rabbi Avraham Stolik.

Coral Gables Police are now investigating the theft and are asking anyone with information to call (305) 442-1600.


About the Author:

Reporter Rosh Lowe has been covering news for nearly two decades in South Florida. He joined Local 10 in 2021.