Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Vaughan
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Tune in today – Monday,
Nov. 29 – to watch the live stream at 4 p.m. at vaughan.ca/festive
Every year, the
City of Vaughan brings the community together to celebrate Chanukah, also known
as the Festival of Lights. This year, the City invites everyone to tune in to
its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony, virtually, today – Monday, Nov. 29 – at 4
p.m. The event will be live streamed at vaughan.ca/festive.
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan,
founder and spiritual leader of Chabad@Flamingo, will preside over the ceremony,
which will include Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council and a
performance with members of the Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad Boys Choir.
Chanukah is an
eight-day holiday celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is
observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem. Today
marks the second night of Chanukah, which runs from Sunday, Nov. 28 until
Monday, Dec. 6 this year.
QUOTE
“Tonight, we are pleased to host the City of
Vaughan’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony and join Jewish families in Vaughan
and beyond to welcome Chanukah. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah
is an endearing story of faith and the triumph of good over evil. For eight
nights, people of the Jewish faith will light the candles of the menorah as a
reminder that light always prevails over darkness. It is a meaningful time for
families and friends to pray and share stories of hope to commemorate the
miracle at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. I want to take this opportunity to
express my gratitude and appreciation to our Jewish community for their
significant city-building and nation-building contributions. Our city is truly
enriched by their culture, faith and long-standing traditions, and we remain
grateful for their unwavering efforts to position Vaughan as a city of choice.
To everyone celebrating, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful Chanukah.
Chag Chanukah Sameach.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK
FACTS
- Chanukah is an eight-day holiday celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
- The eight candles lit over Chanukah represent the number of days the lantern in the Temple stayed lit, and the ninth candle, known as the shamash, is the candle that “helps” support the other candles by lighting them.
- Placement of the menorah is usually near a window, providing people on the outside an opportunity to share in blessings of the lights. The flame of the candle burns each night and serves as a time for reflection and to give thanks.
- The menorah, or holiday candelabra, is the most recognizable symbol of Chanukah and serves as a symbol of light and life.
LEARN
MORE
- vaughan.ca/festive
- Follow the City on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
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