Public Service Announcement

First Candle of the Menorah to be Lit in Grand Parade to Celebrate Hanukkah

(November 30, 2010) HRM Mayor Peter Kelly and Regional Councillors invite all to join them for the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah this Wednesday (Dec. 1) at 6 pm in Grand Parade Square.

Hanukkah is an eight-day Festival of Lights beginning on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev which this year falls on December 1st through to the 9th.

The celebration commemorates two miracles which happened over 2000 years ago: the Hasmonean - or Jewish - warriors' victory over their Greek oppressors and the miraculous cruse of consecrated oil at the Temple. The menorah oil, sufficient to burn for just one day, burned for eight. The celebration honours the rededication of the Jewish Temple following the revolt and victory.

The giant Menorah has been erected by the Chabad Lubavitch Organization to promote awareness and appreciation of the Hanukkah Festival and its message - the triumph of freedom over oppression, spirit over matter, light over darkness. A candle will be lit each additional night during Hanukkah. The ninth candle in the Menorah - Shamash - is the candle to light all other candles.

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Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
HRM Manager Public Affairs
490-6531