While the giant Menorah in the square provided a public beacon for all of Rome, the Chabad Piazza Bologna Student & Youth Party on the first night of Chanukah (December 14, 2025) was where the neighborhood’s younger energy truly hit its stride.
Held at the Chabad center just steps from the University of Rome (Sapienza), the event brought together a diverse mix of local Italian students and international travelers for a night that was as much about “hands-on” tradition as it was about social connection.
A Night of “DIY” Traditions
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Interactive Doughnut Workshop. Moving beyond the standard pre-made catering, students were given the chance to:
- Fill and Garnish: Trays of fresh sufganiot (doughnuts) were waiting to be injected with various creams and jams.
- Creative Toppings: From classic powdered sugar to more adventurous modern glazes, the workshop turned dessert into a competitive sport.
Games and Giveaways
No Chanukah party is complete without a bit of friendly competition. The night featured a series of Chanukah-themed games, ranging from high-stakes dreidel tournaments to trivia that tested the guests’ knowledge of the Macabees (and Rome’s own Jewish history).
Community Beyond the Classroom
For many international students spending their first winter away from home, the party served as a vital touchpoint. Rabbi Menachem and Rivkie Lazar hosted the evening with their signature warmth, ensuring that every guest—whether a local regular or a passing tourist—felt like part of the family.
“The goal was to create a space where students could step out of their study routines and into the warmth of the holiday. In a city as ancient as Rome, seeing the youth take ownership of these traditions is what keeps the light burning.”
