ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — With falling snow creating a scenic wintery backdrop at Bannerman Park in downtown St. John’s, close to 100 people gathered at the newly built gazebo to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday.
As part of the event — the third annual, organized by Chabad of Newfoundland — an eight-foot wooden Hanukkah menorah, a symbol of Judaism, was lit, beginning with the shamash candle, which was lit by Lt.-Gov. Judy Foote.
“It’s important for us to never lose sight of the value of families in our lives,” Foote said to the crowd, which included many children.
“When I see the children, parents and grandparents here today, it’s a wonderful opportunity to be with all of you and to remember what is really important in our lives.”
Throughout Hanukkah, members of the Jewish community will light one more candle in the menorah each night until all eight candles are lit.
The theme of the ceremony was peace, which was emphasized by the event’s organizer, Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky.
“We should never judge others because of things they do or don’t do, especially in our times,” said Chernitsky. “Living in Canada, we need to put in a special effort and we should encourage everyone to be more accepting.”
He pointed out that the menorah serves as a symbol of St. John’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship freely, openly and with pride. The message of Hanukkah, he said, is the message of light, which he said dispels darkness.
St. John’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs worldwide, symbolizing the universal message of religious freedom.
St. John's Coun. Debbie Hanlon said inclusion is important in a city that’s become more multicultural, with many faiths and cultures.
“We are all people sharing a community with each other, family and friends,” she said. “St. John’s is a very open, diverse and multicultural city and we encourage everyone to be kind to each other.”
Other public figures in attendance included St. John's East member of Parliament Jack Harris, Newfoundland and Labrador NDP Leader Alison Coffin and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief Joe Boland.
The ceremony was followed by singing and eating traditional Hanukkah foods.
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