Tonight marks the begining of the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah.
The festival celebrates when the one days worth of oil burned for eight days afterthe Jewish people recaptured the Second Temple in the second century B.C.
The greater community has been invited to menorah lighting ceremonies in Waterloo and Guelph this evening.
Rabbi Raphi Stiener, Director of the Chabad of Guelph told 570 NewsRadio that Hanukkah is different than other Jewish holidays.
“Hanukkah is one of the unique Jewish events where it’s all about publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah,” he said.
Rabbi Steiner said it’s been a difficult year for the Jewish community with rising instances of antisemitism, particularly in Guelph.
“Around our city, region and probably around the world, the Jewish community feels more isolated than ever,” he said. “And, when non-Jews and the wider Jewish community stand shoulder to shoulder and let them know they will never be alone and we will always stand with them and add light together with them, than we can accomplish anything.”
Rabbi Moshe Goldman, Director of the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in Waterloo said at a time like this, sharing light becomes even more important.
“It’s all about brining light to the darkness,” he said. “We are not afraid of the dark, we are the lamp lighters. The lamp lighters carry a flame that can outshine darkness, and we have nothing to be afraid of.”
The events Sunday evening in Guelph and Waterloo have been planned with families in mind.
The festivities begin in Waterloo Town Square at 6 p.m. but people are invited to start gathering at 5:30 p.m.
In Guelph, the outdoor activities begin at 4:30 p.m.
Menorah lightings will follow.
