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Beneath glittering palm trees and a star-studded sky, participants of the fourth annual Menorah Lighting at Village Hall enjoyed fresh donuts, chocolate gelt and hot latkes — traditional Hanukkah fare — on the first night of the eight-night holiday.
The event, arranged by Rabbi Zalman Gansburg and Rebbetzin Chani Gansburg, brought together dozens of people of all affiliations from the Palmetto Bay area, joining in a public display of unity and Jewish pride.
As festive music welcomed in the holiday spirit, children joined the celebration with their own exciting activities. Adorned in light-up glasses and light-up Menorah necklaces, the youngsters gleefully filled their own dreidels with an assortment of colorful candy.
Rabbi Gansburg inspired the crowd with his words of positivity, sharing the implications of light overcoming darkness in our personal lives.
Honored dignitaries, such as the mayor and council members, engaged those attending with messages of community spirit, miracles, and their personal associations with Hanukkah.
Floren Esquenazi recounted the original story of Hanukkah — the struggles and perseverance of the Jews fighting for their religious freedom, and the miracle of our current existence. She expressed her thankfulness for living with religious freedom today.
Marine biologist Yigal Bernstein was honored with lighting the giant Menorah, followed by a joyous rendition of Maoz Tzur by the rabbi. Participants departed with a newfound appreciation for the holiday of Hanukkah and motivation to make the world a brighter place — one candle at a time.
