Syracuse, N.Y. — The annual lighting of a public menorah started Thursday evening in downtown Syracuse to mark the start of Hanukkah.
On the first night of Hanukkah special prayers are recited, and one candle is lit on the menorah. Each night another candle is lit. The eight-night commemoration of Hanukah is based on the lunar calendar and can fall anytime from late November to late December.
It is the 42nd year that Chabad Lubavitch of Central New York has set up the public menorahs.
This year’s Hanukkah celebration comes amid an increase in antisemitism, following the Oct. 7 surprise attack by fighters from Hamas and other organizations in southern Israel. A man fired two rounds from a shotgun outside a temple in Albany, with no one injured, police said, according to the Associated Press.
Here is the schedule for the lighting of the Clinton Square menorah, along with several large community events:
- Thursday, Dec. 7: 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8: 3:37 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec 9: 7 p.m. Organizers from Chabad are expecting a large crowd for a downtown rally in support of Israel. There will also be a “gelt drop,” along with hot cider and treats.
- Sunday, Dec. 10: 4:30 p.m. Also, the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will host a community Chanukah party from 12:30-3 p.m. at 5655 Thompson Rd. in DeWitt. There will be balloon animals, a bounce house, refreshments and more.
- Monday, Dec. 11: 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 12: 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 13: 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 14: 4:30 p.m. Several area congregations will host a sold-out community dinner, featuring a performance by the a cappella group Six13, at 6 p.m. at 450 Kimber Rd. in Syracuse.
Other public menorah are located at Syracuse Hancock International Airport; at Destiny USA; in DeWitt, at the intersection of Erie Boulevard and East Genesee Street; in Fayetteville, next to the Memory Tree; and at The Galleries of Syracuse.
Hanukkah marks the victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution more than 2,000 years ago. When the Maccabees came to rededicate their temple, they found only a small amount of oil, thought to be enough for only one day, to light the menorah. But the oil is said to have lasted eight days.
For more information, contact the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse at 315-445-2360, or Chabad Lubavitch of Central New York at 315-727-0973.
Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.