Vancouver Island is warming again this winter with the Light of Chanukah touring through various public menorah lightings, including one at Courtenay City Hall on Dec. 7.
The entire community is invited to join in during the official lighting ceremony of the eight foot tall public Menorah and enjoy Sufganiyot (Israeli jelly donuts), dreidels, chocolate gelt and the sounds of Chanukah music.
Mayor Larry Jangula, who will be in attendance for the lighting of the Menorah, issued this statement to the local Jewish community:
“On behalf of Courtenay Council, please accept our warmest wishes for the celebration of Chanukah. The Comox Valley is an inclusive community with a wide variety of cultures and beliefs. This ceremony is an important ritual and symbol of religious freedom that can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of one’s faith. I am honoured to be lighting the Shamesh candle on the Menorah at City Hall. Happy Chanukah to all Comox Valley residents celebrating the Festival of Lights.”
Chanukah is a Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights. Chanukah is a Hebrew word meaning “dedication”. Chanukah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. It begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, and the holiday is celebrated for eight days.
This year, Chanukah runs from Sunday, Dec. 6 to Monday, Dec. 14.