Lawrence celebrates first night of Hanukkah with downtown menorah lighting

photo by: Chris Conde

Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel recites the first blessing of the ceremony as Rep. Mike Amyx, Lawrence, prepares to light the Shamash, the center candle, of the menorah at the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Lawrence Public Library.

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted a public ceremony Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah, to light a 9-foot tall menorah in front of the Lawrence Public Library.

The annual event was followed by a communitywide celebration that included fire performers and holiday refreshments.

This year, the theme is “Light up the Night,” symbolizing “the commitment to spreading light and peace in the world.”

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.

photo by: Chris Conde

A crowd gathers for refreshments before the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Chris Conde

Mendel Kleyman, right, dressed as Judah Maccabee, welcomes guests at the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Chris Conde

Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel with the help of the children in attendance lights the menorah’s farthest right candle signifying the first night of Hanukkah at the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Chris Conde

A crowd watches performers at the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Chris Conde

Meridith Trewolla and Laura Lockton, of ReKinection, perform with fire to Hanukkah-themed music at the 2021 Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Lawrence Public Library.

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