Menorah lighting in Stockton celebrates start of Hanukkah
Sunday marked the first day of Hanukkah, and several public menorah lightings took place in the evening across Northern California to commemorate the start of the annual holiday.One event happened at Lincoln Center in Stockton. The menorah lighting was hosted by Chabad of Stockton. A few dozen people gathered together and held candles as the first candle on the outdoor menorah was lit. Many in attendance said they were grateful to be able to share the experience with their loved ones.”This is my Jewish community and it’s really exciting for my toddler to come out here and celebrate her Judaism in public,” Stockton resident Sara Beth Berman said. From the man-made snow falling onto the pavement to the tasty treats served to the crowd, the event was a reminder to reflect on the past year. In recent months, antisemitic images were plastered on campus at both Sacramento State and UC Davis. Antisemitic flyers were also found in Carmichael. On the national level, rapper Kayne West is facing backlash for his recent anti-Semitic comments.”Everybody just needs to shine their light more and stop being rude to everybody because it’s just not the way to go,” Stockton resident Dallas Lee said.Rabbi Avrohom Brod with Chabad of Stockton said the best way to combat hate is to spread love. He added that the lights on the menorah are the perfect metaphor.”Just a little bit of light pushes away so much darkness, and that’s why it’s such a universal holiday, because everyone can add a little bit of goodness and kindness,” Brod said . “Everyone can add light, and the more light we add, the more darkness will go away.”Many agree, and they said they are willing to teach people about Judaism in an effort to break down any barriers that may exist.”Take a chance to learn about it. Meet a Jewish person. Come to a lighting, see what it’s like to be and what we do. We are no different than anybody else,” Stockton resident Nuria Rodriguez said. The menorah in Stockton, and others across the region will continue adding candles until the last night of Hanukkah, which is Monday, Dec. 26
STOCKTON, Calif. —
Sunday marked the first day of Hanukkah, and several public menorah lightings took place in the evening across Northern California to commemorate the start of the annual holiday.
One event happened at Lincoln Center in Stockton. The menorah lighting was hosted by Chabad of Stockton. A few dozen people gathered together and held candles as the first candle on the outdoor menorah was lit. Many in attendance said they were grateful to be able to share the experience with their loved ones.
“This is my Jewish community and it’s really exciting for my toddler to come out here and celebrate her Judaism in public,” Stockton resident Sara Beth Berman said.
From the man-made snow falling onto the pavement to the tasty treats served to the crowd, the event was a reminder to reflect on the past year. In recent months, antisemitic images were plastered on campus at both Sacramento State and UC Davis. Antisemitic flyers were also found in Carmichael. On the national level, rapper Kayne West is facing backlash for his recent anti-Semitic comments.
“Everybody just needs to shine their light more and stop being rude to everybody because it’s just not the way to go,” Stockton resident Dallas Lee said.
Rabbi Avrohom Brod with Chabad of Stockton said the best way to combat hate is to spread love. He added that the lights on the menorah are the perfect metaphor.
“Just a little bit of light pushes away so much darkness, and that’s why it’s such a universal holiday, because everyone can add a little bit of goodness and kindness,” Brod said. “Everyone can add light, and the more light we add, the more darkness will go away.”
Many agree, and they said they are willing to teach people about Judaism in an effort to break down any barriers that may exist.
“Take a chance to learn about it. Meet a Jewish person. Come to a [menorah] lighting, see what it’s like to be and what we do. We are no different than anybody else,” Stockton resident Nuria Rodriguez said.
The menorah in Stockton, and others across the region, will continue adding candles until the last night of Hanukkah, which is Monday, Dec. 26