City lights menorah in celebration of Chanukah

Everett community gathered to light the menorah in front of City Hall on the second night of the festival of lights

Special to The Advocate

On the second night of Chanukah, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, community members and elected officials gathered in front of City Hall with Rabbi Sruli Baron, director of the Tobin Bridge Chabad, for the annual lighting of the official City of Everett menorah. The event celebrated the beginning of Chanukah, the Jewish eight-day “festival of lights,” which is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting and special prayers. The menorah holds nine candles; one stands higher than the rest and is used to light the others. This year marks the first time the beginning of Chanukah and Christmas have fallen on the same day since 2005.

Rabbi Baron welcomed attendees and shared a moving story about the true meaning of Chanukah and how the holiday can bring communities together. He then enlisted the aid of the children in attendance to light the menorah with him. After the menorah was lit, all who attended were invited to enjoy traditional Jewish music, latkes, doughnuts and more in the lobby of City Hall.