About 150 community members gathered at Eastridge Recreation Center on Dec. 6, the first night of Hanukkah. The event started inside with a choir performance by the children of Chabad Hebrew School, followed by arts and crafts, latkes, doughnuts and special gifts, including light-up menorah necklaces.
Rabbi Avraham Mintz, of Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver, led the outdoor menorah lighting ceremony with U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado). Mintz talked briefly about the importance of the holiday, especially in times of darkness.
“The candles are in each and every one of us,” he said. “And we spread light.”
As tradition goes, two candles are lit on the first night of Hanukkah. Guests recited a prayer as the menorah’s center candle, the shamash, and end candle lit up the serene night.
