CHANUKA 2015 CELEBRATED
More than 250 showed up on a warm December 7 evening to celebrate Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with the ceremonial lighting of a 20-foot tall Menorah in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.
Rabbi Avrahom Simmonds of the Chabad Jewish Centre along with Regina Qu’Appelle Valley MLA Laura Ross and Dr. Jeffrey Judelson perched atop a crane-raised bucket took part in the ceremonial lighting. Ross, representing the Premier who had other commitments that evening, received the honour of lighting the Shamesh, the candle used to light the other candles. Judelson lit the first two lights as December 7 was the second day of Chanukah. Dr. Judelson is a Regina eye doctor the Chabat Centre was honoring that evening. Regina Mayor Michael Fougere also could not be present and sent a letter of good wishes which was read at the reception.
Following the lighting, Rabbi Jeremy Parnes of Beth Jacob Synagogue led the singing of traditional Jewish music. Gathering inside one of the building galleries the crowed enjoyed latkes and other traditional Jewish foods.
Chanukah commemorates the miracle of the Chanukah oil in which a one-day supply burned for eight days.
Written by C.J. Katz
