Celebrating the Festival of Lights
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The City of Vaughan
marks Chanukah with Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Lighting a menorah in celebration of Chanukah is a cherished tradition for many families in Vaughan. The City’s menorah was lit today, serving as a vibrant symbol of light and life.
Lighting a menorah in celebration of Chanukah is a cherished tradition for many families in Vaughan. The City’s menorah was lit today, serving as a vibrant symbol of light and life.
Chanukah,
also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed over an eight-day period each
year by people of the Jewish faith to commemorate the rededication of the
Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BC. The festival is marked by
lighting the menorah, which is the most recognizable symbol of the occasion.
The City of
Vaughan’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony is held in December, with Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua, Members of Council, Rabbi Kaplan and residents from the
community in attendance. Rabbi Kaplan, founder and spiritual leader of
Chabad@Flamingo, performed the ceremony and offered blessings. Following the event,
guests enjoyed a live performance by the Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad Boys Choir
and festive goodies.
Vaughan
continues to be enriched by active, engaged and thriving Jewish and Israeli
communities. This population represents more than a quarter of the entire
Jewish and Israeli population – and the highest percentage of Hebrew speakers –
in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area. In May, Vaughan came together to mark
Jewish Heritage Month. The City proudly flew the flag of Israel at Vaughan City
Hall during a special ceremony to recognize Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence
Day.
During the
City’s recent Israel trade mission, Mayor Bevilacqua and Michael Vidal, Mayor
of Ramla, signed a memorandum of understanding to advance shared cultural
opportunities and experiences between both cities. The trade mission
also included meetings with Moshe Lion, Mayor of Jerusalem City, and Mayor Ron
Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv City. In 2019, Mayor Bevilacqua
presented Holocaust survivor, humanitarian and author Max Eisen with both the
Key to the City and the Order of Vaughan.
QUOTE
“Known
as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is a story of faith and perseverance. It
symbolizes the triumph of overcoming adversity, encourages a period of
reflection and reminds us to search for the light in times of darkness. As home
to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel, the City’s annual
Menorah Lighting Ceremony inspires people of Jewish faith to celebrate life and
be proud of their cultural and spiritual backgrounds. This celebration is one
of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring an inclusive and
welcoming community – one that embraces all the diverse faiths and customs of
our residents. I reiterate my genuine affection, appreciation and admiration
for the Israeli and Jewish communities and wish everyone celebrating a very
happy, memorable and blessed Chanukah.”
-
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- A menorah holds nine candles – eight symbolize the number of days the Temple lantern blazed, one is a helper candle used to light the others.
- The City of Vaughan is hosting a second Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (501 Clark Ave. W.). The community is invited to join Members of Council and Rabbi Kaplan as they light the menorah and enjoy festive music, treats and activities.
LEARN MORE
- The City of Vaughan’s events webpage
- The City of Vaughan’s Cultural Heritage Events, including Jewish Heritage Month, webpage
- Holocaust survivor Max Eisen receives Key to the City news release and 2019 Order of Vaughan news release
- Mayor Bevilacqua’s Israel Independence Day statement
- Mayor Bevilacqua leads trade mission to Israel news release
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