People began congregating in downtown Fayetteville on the evening of Dec. 6 to await the lighting of the giant Menorah standing adjacent to the annual Christmas tree.
By 6 p.m. more than 100 people had gathered – many of the Jewish faith and some not – to await the lighting of the “Shamash,” the helping candle and the first candle for the first night of Chanukah.
This event was sponsored by B’nai Israel Congregation in Fayetteville and welcomed by many in the Fayette community.
Mayor-elect Edward Johnson spoke briefly and warmly welcomed the group, speaking of how Fayetteville embraces diversity and welcoming the congregation’s new rabbi, Rick Harkevy. He was hired three months ago as the congregation’s first permanent rabbi.
Rabbi Harkevy “spoke about the significance of lighting the candles in proper order and the importance of remembering miracles in these difficult times,” according to someone who was in attendance.
Chanukah is the festival of lights and commemorates both the military victory of a small group of religious Jews over their mighty Syrian/Greek oppressors and the miracle of the lights. After the military battle which was won by the Maccabees, a little bit of oil was available for lighting and purifying the Temple. This small amount of holy oil lasted for eight days which is why the holiday lasts for eight days.
Each night an additional candle is lit to remind us of the miracle of the light. Light is often used in Judaism to symbolize goodness and morality. While two miracles occurred, the one celebrated is not the military victory but the goodness of the light.
