JUPITER, Fla. — More than 100 people came to Downtown Abacoa in Jupiter Sunday to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.
At sundown, the first candle on the menorah was lighted. This is the 17th year that the Chabad of Jupiter hosted the event. The lighting of the first candle on the menorah is to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.
The First Candel Lit, Hanukkah has begun! #HappyHanukkah #Chanukah pic.twitter.com/Rd8j9nEIgu
— JOSH NAVARRO (@JoshNavarroTV) November 28, 2021
“When we light the candles, we meditate on the fact that light and goodness always prevail over darkness and evil,” said Rabbi Berel Barash.
Families celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the menorah, exchanging presents, spinning the dreidel, and eating traditional Hanukkah dishes like latkes.
“Hanukkah means togetherness. Hanukkah means family, and I am just glad that everybody is able to get together at a special time,” said Ella Schneider.
“It's good to see the young kids learn a little bit about the religion and what Hanukkah is all about and what Judaism is all about,” said Howard Bloom.
Lacey Foon said it is important to pass their culture and tradition from one generation to the next.
“My twins are 2-and-a-half and this is really the first year that they start to understand. They are in a Jewish day school and they are starting to learn all of our holidays,” said Foon. “So it is really exciting to share our traditions.”
Kids were able to collect some chocolate coins and dreidels that were dropped by a helicopter.
But most importantly, the eight-day celebration is spreading a message of triumph and hope.
“Hanukkah really brings home that message that we can gradually increase in goodness and light,” said Rebbetzin Sarah Barash of Chabad of Jupiter.
“Through joy, we can accomplish anything. By being joyous. That’s the message of Hanukkah,” said Barash.
Hanukkah lasts until sundown Dec. 6.