The South Shore Plaza event, on the first level near Chico’s on Thursday, Dec. 29, will feature live music with Moshe Feldman, and dancing.

“Last year, hundreds of shoppers gathered to observe and participate,” said Shaloh’s Rabbi Mendel Gurkow. “It was as if the entire mall stopped for Chanukah.”

The dinner, sponsored by the Talamo and Rosen families, will feature the “Shaloh House Rockers” the Grabb Brothers, and include dancing on the floor, chairs and tables.

The big menorah has become a landmark at the Central St. Shell station in Cobb’s Corner. For the past 10 years, people have gathered every night at 6 p.m. as Gurkow climbs a ladder to kindle the kerosene lanterns by torch. People stop by off the street, or honk horns.

“Many appear every night to be part of this religious experience that we are lucky to be allowed to observe in public,” said Gurkow. “The menorah stands all night to remind passersby that it is Chanukah, and help them identify with it and be proud of our heritage.”

Weather conditions haven’t daunted him. “I recall many stormy nights where we still had help on hand climbing up the swaying menorah,” said Gurkow. “We feared that the menorah would topple with us.” However, it held its own, and sometimes, the assembled as well. “The menorah outlasts the New England weather just like the menorahs of old,” said Gurkow, “which endured eight days with enough oil for only one night.”

Cobb’s Corner was an obvious choice 10 years ago, and in testament to the good multicultural relations of the area, the non-Jewish owner of the Shell station was more than happy to host. “Ironically, the station has since been sold to Arab owners, who are very accommodating to us,” said Gurkow. The neighboring Mobil station at 145 Sharon St. asked them for a display as well; today, two 8-foot menorahs stand, both serviced by Shaloh House, the Mobil one lit by electric bulbs.