photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel lights the second candle on the 12-foot menorah outside of the Lawrence Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

Members of the Lawrence community gathered on Sunday evening to celebrate the lighting of a community menorah outside the Lawrence Public Library. The menorah will be in place throughout the Hanukkah season, which began Sunday and runs through Dec. 22.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel and a group of community leaders begin the menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

Emil Thornburg and Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel pose in front of the 12-foot tall menorah on the lawn of the Lawrence Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

Community members gather for the annual lighting of the menorah at the Lawrence Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

The 12-foot menorah outside of the Lawrence Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

Community members gather inside the library after the menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.