Two additional lightings planned in Medford and Grants Pass
By Bob & Tracy Palermini for Ashland.news
The 21st Grand Menorah Lighting in Ashland Plaza was held Wednesday, Dec. 25, the first night of Hanukkah. The lighting was hosted by Chabad of Southern Oregon and drew visitors from Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass and other areas of the Rogue Valley.
“Hanukkah is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” said Rabbi Avi Zwiebel, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”
Rabbi Zweibel opened the event by thanking those who participated in the purchase of the new 10-foot menorah, featuring LED lights, and said donations are still being accepted. The menorah will remain in Ashland Plaza and be lit each of the eight days of Hanukkah.
According to Chabad of Southern Oregon, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory of the Jewish people over an enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the land and its people in darkness. The Hanukkah celebration also recalls a second miracle that took place when the Maccabees poured a one-day supply of oil into the menorah, and the small amount of oil burned continuously for eight days.
Lighting the menorah at Hanukkah reminds the Jewish people of these events and also serves as a symbol and a message of the triumph of light over darkness. Because of the great significance of oil in the story of Hanukkah, it is traditional to serve foods cooked in oil, such as potato latkes and doughnuts, which were available at the event.
Chabad of Southern Oregon will host two additional public menorah lightings:
- At The Village at Medford Center at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
- At Riverside Park, Waterfront Pavilion, Grants Pass at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30
Bob & Tracy Palermini are residents of Ashland, where he is staff photographer for Ashland.news, as well a board member. Email Bob at bobpal@gmail.com.
