State House Candle Lighting Ceremony

Hanukkah has always been my favorite Jewish holiday and no, not because of the presents, but because my family makes it a point to set aside time to be together each night. Singing the Hanukkah blessings, lighting the menorah, and singing songs has always given me such joy. This joy comes from being with my family, but also stems from the awareness of people throughout the world sharing similar moments and feelings.

It’s a feeling of unity, with my family and those around the world lighting their menorahs. I was thankful to have the opportunity to light the menorah in various locations this year with several people, including a few nights with my family in New Jersey, the University of Rhode Island’s Hillel, my alma mater, and the State House.

On the 6th night of Hanukkah, Monday, December 2, community members gathered at the State House for a luminous candle lighting ceremony. Before lighting the menorah, Rabbi Yehoshua Laufer, Director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Rhode Island, spoke about the message of Hanukkah. He explained that unity and goodness are inherent in the world and is within each human being. The lesson of the Hanukkah candles is a lesson that applies to all – that by increasing the light of acts of goodness, one illuminates his life, warms his soul, heals the spirit, and brings true peace and light to all people of the world.

Community members took turns lighting one candle until all six candles burned brightly. Matan Graff, the Alliance Israeli Emissary had the honor of lighting one of these candles. Richard Licht, past President of the Jewish Alliance and present Director of Administration for the State of Rhode Island, also lit one of the candles. Following the lighting, Licht commented about how unique this Hanukkah was because it fell on Thanksgiving – a remarkable time in history that will not happen for another 70,000 years. The ceremony continued with lively singing of traditional Hanukkah songs. The singing was accompanied by Marc Adler playing his clarinet. Children danced and sang along. It was a lively celebration for all. The evening concluded with homemade latkes – what better way to end the night?

Elanah Chassen (echassen@jewishallianceri.org) is Education and Planning Associate for The Jewish Alliance.