photo by: Ashley Golledge

Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel discusses the first day of Hanukkah at a menorah lighting ceremony at the Lawrence Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. The Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted the lighting.

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life will light the candles on a 9-foot tall menorah Sunday in front of the Lawrence Public Library.

The event, starting at 5:30 p.m., will be followed by a communitywide celebration on the first night of Hanukkah.

This year, the theme of “Light up the Night” symbolizes “the commitment to spreading light and peace in the world,” according to a news release from the Chabad Center. A fire artist will also perform live, and holiday foods and hot beverages will be available. Admission is free and open to all.

Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day commemoration of the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple more than 2,100 years ago by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

“The creation of light, counteracting the darkness, pandemic and global challenges, is especially important during this joyous time of the year,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of Lawrence’s Chabad Center.